Sheffield United: Chris Wilder questions England's big Thomas Tuchel decision | OneFootball

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder has admitted he would've liked to have seen an English manager in charge of the national team.

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder has admitted that he would’ve wanted an English manager in charge of the national team after Thomas Tuchel’s appointment.

The Three Lions’ have been on the lookout for a new manager following Gareth Southgate’s departure after the Euro 2024 final defeat.

Lee Carsley had appeared to be in with a chance of landing the top job, but things moved quickly over the past few days, with Tuchel announced as Southgate’s successor this week.

Chris Wilder joins England managerial debate

Tuchel’s credentials are well-known, with the German having managed the likes of Borussia Dortmund, PSG, Chelsea and Bayern Munich, and he has delivered trophies at every club, which memorably includes the Champions League with the Blues.

Despite that, Tuchel’s nationality has prompted a debate, with some feeling that England should have appointed an English coach.

And, speaking to Sky Sports, Sheffield United chief Wilder revealed he falls on that side of things, although he wouldn’t share too much on the subject.

“From an English coach, an English manager, I’ll have my own opinions on that. I’ve gone through the system of coaching, so I’ll have my own opinions. I would’ve preferred an Englishman to represent our country but maybe that’s for another time to discuss and go into detail on.”

English coaches must battle to reach the top

There has been a lot of investment and focus from the FA into English football and coaching, so there will be frustration from some that they feel their path to the very top is blocked due to decisions like this.

As well as that, there is a section that thinks a country should only choose managers from their nation, as that’s how it works with players.

Yet, others will understandably argue that the England job is one of the best in the world, so it’s just about picking the best possible candidate.

In that sense, it’s hard to argue with the appointment of Tuchel, as he has delivered on the biggest stage, which includes winning the Champions League, and he has shown he can win big knockout games.

So, with the World Cup coming in 2026, many will say that England have chosen someone who will give them the best chance of lifting the trophy, which you can’t really argue with.

Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong answer to this, and Wilder’s view is one that will be shared by some, but not others.

It does demonstrate that English coaches are competing with the best in the world when it comes to landing jobs like this, and the same applies in the Premier League, and even lower down to a degree.

Clubs will understandably look across the globe to find the right candidate, and the appeal of English football means, especially in the top two divisions, that a lot of highly qualified candidates will be in the running for these roles.

Wilder is also the perfect example that managers can still work their way up from the lower leagues to mix it with the best, and he is now looking to add another promotion to his CV with Sheffield United this season.