In a surprising turn of events, the Football Association (FA) has appointed German coach Thomas Tuchel as the new manager of the England men’s national team. The decision has raised eyebrows across the footballing world, particularly among English managers who feel overlooked by their own governing body. Everton boss Sean Dyche is one such figure, openly questioning whether the FA remains committed to its stated aim of developing homegrown coaching talent.
Dyche: “How is an English U-16s coach going to get to the top?”
Speaking candidly to reporters, Dyche expressed his doubts about the FA’s long-term vision for English coaches. While careful not to criticize Tuchel directly, the Everton manager pointed out the apparent disconnect between the FA’s public stance on nurturing domestic talent and their actions when it comes to the most prestigious job in English football.
“The question I would ask is, and I know it’s not as literal as this, but is the coach of the under-16s made of the stuff that you can see them going all the way through the system to become the England manager? If the FA are saying they are going to coach the coaches to become the England manager, then are the under-16s, 17s, 18s, 19s and 21s coaches the right type?”
– Sean Dyche, Everton Manager
Dyche’s comments strike at the heart of a long-standing debate within English football: the apparent glass ceiling that prevents homegrown managers from ascending to the very top of the game. Despite the FA’s much-touted St George’s Park facility and its focus on coach education, the pathway from youth team to senior side remains murky at best.
Rooney Echoes Dyche’s Sentiments
Former England captain Wayne Rooney, now managing Plymouth Argyle, echoed Dyche’s concerns. While praising Tuchel’s undeniable pedigree, Rooney expressed his surprise at the FA’s decision to look abroad once again.
“I think he [Tuchel] is a very good coach, but surprised the FA have employed him. What the FA have built, and I was part of that and have seen first-hand what they’ve built over the last 10-15 years, it’s been great. It’s been a great platform for young coaches coming through, so I’m surprised they haven’t gone in with one of their own.”
– Wayne Rooney, Plymouth Argyle Manager
The Curious Case of Lee Carsley
One name conspicuously absent from the FA’s shortlist was Lee Carsley, the current England U21 manager. Dyche specifically highlighted Carsley’s situation, questioning whether the former Everton midfielder was ever truly in contention for the top job.
“Lee Carsley has been considered not [suitable by the FA]. So was he always considered not or was he always a maybe? For all we know Carsley might have been so close to getting it but I would ask, are those coaches at the younger age levels already considered the right type to manage our national side?”
– Sean Dyche, Everton Manager
Carsley’s omission raises uncomfortable questions about the FA’s succession planning. If the coach of the U21s – ostensibly the final stepping stone before the senior side – isn’t deemed ready for promotion, what message does that send to the rest of the coaching pyramid?
The Southgate Exception
Of course, it’s impossible to discuss the England manager’s job without mentioning Gareth Southgate. The former U21 boss bucked the trend by ascending to the senior role in 2016, leading the Three Lions to a World Cup semi-final and European Championship final. Southgate’s success was heralded as a vindication of the FA’s long-term strategy, proof that English coaches could thrive given the opportunity.
However, with Tuchel’s appointment, that narrative has been called into question. If Southgate was the rule, why does he now appear to be the exception? It’s a conundrum that the FA will need to address if they hope to maintain credibility with the English coaching community.
The Premier League Paradox
The dearth of English managers at the top level is thrown into even sharper relief when one considers the state of the Premier League. Dyche is one of just five English bosses currently in the top flight, a damning indictment of the opportunities available to homegrown coaches.
This is not to suggest that foreign managers are inherently superior to their English counterparts. However, when the likes of Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp, and Antonio Conte are dominating the domestic scene, it’s understandable that the FA might be tempted to look abroad for a coach of similar pedigree.
A Delicate Balancing Act
Ultimately, the FA finds itself in an unenviable position. On one hand, they have a responsibility to appoint the best possible candidate for the England job, regardless of nationality. Tuchel’s CV speaks for itself, and few would argue that he lacks the requisite credentials.
On the other hand, the FA has made much of its commitment to nurturing English coaching talent. The St George’s Park project was supposed to be a game-changer, a conveyor belt of homegrown managers ready to take on the world. If that vision is to be realized, there must come a point where the FA is willing to take a chance on one of their own.
It’s a delicate balancing act, one that requires careful consideration of both short-term success and long-term sustainability. Tuchel may well prove to be an inspired choice, but his appointment undoubtedly sends a mixed message to the legions of English coaches waiting in the wings.
As Dyche so succinctly put it, if the England U16 manager can’t aspire to one day take charge of the senior side, what’s the point of the pathway? It’s a question that the FA will need to grapple with in the coming years, as they seek to strike a balance between immediate results and lasting legacy.
