England’s World Cup dream just ended with a brutal 2-1 semi-final loss to Argentina on Wednesday, and the fallout is still shaking things up for the Three Lions. While the Football Association is backing Thomas Tuchel to stay on as head coach, national legend Wayne Rooney has some *seriously* spicy takes on what should happen next. Get ready, because Rooney is dropping truth bombs.
The “Get Guardiola” Ultimatum
According to Rooney, the FA better stick with Thomas Tuchel as England head coach, unless they can pull off a move for Pep Guardiola. That’s the line, plain and simple. Tuchel himself says he intends to stay and lead the Three Lions into Euro 2028, and the FA has his back, even after the gut-wrenching World Cup heartbreak. Rooney, on “The Wayne Rooney Show,” flat-out said, “I don’t see anyone else out there at the minute, unless you go and get Pep Guardiola. If Pep Guardiola is available, then maybe you go and get him.” He argues Tuchel is a top-class manager, the kind who learns from mistakes and gets better. And honestly, who else is even in the conversation for a job this big? Rooney also pointed out a massive plus for Tuchel now: he’s finally felt that World Cup environment. That experience is crucial, and it’s something Rooney compared to what Fabio Capello lacked early on. It’s a different beast, and Tuchel has now seen it firsthand.
Squad Selection and Contract Head-Scratchers
But it’s not all sunshine and roses from Rooney, oh no. He thinks Tuchel made some big mistakes, especially with the squad selection. Leaving out Trent Alexander-Arnold, Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Adam Wharton from the 26-man World Cup squad? And then selecting guys like Jordan Henderson, Trevoh Chalobah, and Ivan Toney instead? Rooney is convinced that having players who are “just happy around the camp” was detrimental to England’s chances. You need debate, players with their own personalities, their own opinions, their own character to question the manager at times. Top managers, Rooney says, actually like that kind of challenge. Looking back, Tuchel will definitely have regrets there. And then there’s the contract. Tuchel signed a two-year extension back in February, meaning he’s under contract until summer 2028. He was appointed in January 2025 on an 18-month mission to win the World Cup, so Rooney called the timing “a bit strange” given the priority was winning the whole thing.
Even with the semi-final defeat and some questionable calls, Alan Shearer believes Tuchel’s time with England isn’t up. Tuchel intends to lead them into Euro 2028, which means plenty of games on the horizon. Can he learn from those World Cup mistakes and build a squad with the personality and fight Rooney demands? That’s what we’re all watching for.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
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