Former England captain Rooney believes the Football Association should continue to support Thomas Tuchel coaching the Three Lions, unless the team can successfully invite Pep Guardiola to take over.

England lost 2-1 to Argentina in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals, missing out on a spot in the final. Despite criticism of Tuchel's substitutions late in the match, the FA continues to support the German coach leading the team, and Tuchel himself has stated his desire to lead England into the 2028 European Championship.

Rooney believes there is no need to change the head coach unless Guardiola is willing to coach England.

"At the moment, I don't see anyone else suitable, unless you go and get Guardiola. If Pep has a chance to come in, then maybe you should try to get him," Rooney said on 'The Wayne Rooney Show'.

"I think he (Tuchel) is a top coach. The characteristic of a top coach is being able to learn from mistakes and constantly improve."

"If we sack him, then who are we going to get to replace him? I don't think there's anyone better than Thomas Tuchel right now, apart from Guardiola."

However, Rooney also pointed out that Tuchel's lack of FIFA World Cup experience might have been a factor in England's defeat.

"For me, the biggest problem is that he doesn't have FIFA World Cup experience. We had a similar situation with Capello before."

"The FIFA World Cup is a completely different competition; you have to feel that environment, and now he has experienced it."

Tuchel took over the England team in January 2025, with the FA hoping he could help the team challenge for the FIFA World Cup title in the short term. In February this year, both parties signed a two-year contract extension, extending his tenure until the summer of 2028.

It is worth noting that the FA had tried to invite Guardiola before appointing Tuchel, and it was reported that they even reached a verbal agreement at one point, but Guardiola ultimately chose to continue coaching Manchester City.

Rooney also questioned the FA's decision to extend Tuchel's contract prematurely.

"I think the FA told us at the time that Tuchel's job was to win the FIFA World Cup and lead the team into a new phase. If the goal was really to win the FIFA World Cup, then giving him a two-year contract before the FIFA World Cup even started is a bit strange."

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