MICHAEL CARRICK insists the pathway for English coaches isn’t broken and does not care if it’s a German or not in charge of the Three Lions as long as they “earned it”.
Thomas Tuchel’s appointment as England manager on an 18-month deal has caused huge debate amongst former players and supporters.
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Middlesbrough boss Carrick’s ex-Manchester United team-mate Gary Neville believes it will have a damaging impact for our homegrown coaches and says there are “difficult questions for the FA to answer”.
When asked what he thought the problem was regarding a so-called lack of English candidates for the role, Carrick said: “I don’t think that anything has gone wrong particularly.
“It’s not for me to really say. As an Englishman I fully support the team and the manager and I hope that he does really well.
“The FA have had a decision to make, they’ve made that and good luck to them.”
Carrick continued: “It’s just like playing being a coach, whatever it is it comes down to what you are achieving really.
“What’s right or wrong? There’s not a duty really.
“It’s up to every club really to pick who they want as players and managers. In the end, you have to be good enough.
“It would be nice if there were more [English coaches] at the top level for sure and over time hopefully that will happen. But you’ve got to earn it.”
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Inside FA’s thrilling chase for Tuchel
THE FA’s path to securing Thomas Tuchel’s signature was not a straightforward one.
They tried to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City over the summer.
They even made contact with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after deciding to target trophy-laden foreign gaffers.
The FA’s determination to go international was summed up by their decision NOT to interview Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.
Initial talks with Tuchel saw him express a slight interest in replacing Gareth Southgate.
But he was waiting to see what would happen at Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s future under the spotlight.
Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually decided to stick with Ten Hag – and that opened the door to the FA getting their man.
Read the full story on England’s thrilling pursuit of Thomas Tuchel.
Carrick played under England’s first two foreign coaches, the late Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello, and says having someone from overseas in charge made no difference.
The 43-year-old, who celebrates two years in charge of Boro next week, added: “I played under two. Sven gave me my debut and Fabio after that.
“From a players point of view, when you play for your country and you are representing yourself, your family and your nation and you give what you can.
“I think that there is a respect for the coach and staff but then you’ve got your own responsibility and duty to try and perform, and I don’t think that really changes [whoever is in charge].”
ANDY DILLON: Thomas Tuchel has all the ingredients to become a classic England manager – tactical nous, drive and a tangled love life
By Andy Dillon
THOMAS TUCHEL possesses all the ingredients to become a classic England manager.
Tactical nous, drive, energy, experience – a tangled love life.
English football should welcome back the most explosive, dynamic, charismatic and impossibly tall and gangly coach to have lit up the Premier League.
Chelsea’s colourful former boss has been leading a settled life in Munich of late.
Far enough away from ex-wife Sissi but close enough to see his two daughters.
Walking his dog in the streets in the east of Germany’s most fashionable city, residing in the posh Bogenhausen area. Living relatively quietly with his Brazilian girlfriend.
Tuchel is a vastly different personality to the man who led England quietly but assuredly to the brink of World Cups and European Championships.
An excitable nature can make him hard to handle for those seeking calm and who like to impose their way on a manager they view very much as an underling.
Read more on why Tuchel REALLY IS the best man for the England job