David Seaman names one reason Thomas Tuchel’s nationality will not matter in England job

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David Seaman would rather the England manager be homegrown but former goalkeeper will have no problem with a German being in charge if Thomas Tuchel can win 2026 World Cup

Former England goalkeeper David Seaman has backed Thomas Tuchel to succeed as manager but the Arsenal legend admits he would have preferred a homegrown coach in the role.

Tuchel’s appointment has divided opinion among fans and ex-stars, many of whom insist the Three Lions manager should be an Englishman.

Yet Seaman, who won 75 caps, said the former Chelsea head coach being from Germany will not matter a jot if he can lead the team to a World Cup win in 2026.

“I think he’s going to be great, if he takes us one step further then brilliant. Ideally I would have liked him to have been English but I’m fully behind Thomas,” said Seaman at the Pride of Britain awards ceremony.

“I’ve always said I want to be around when England win a trophy, whether that’s with a German manager or an England manager, I just want to be around when they win.”

Tuchel has signed an 18-month deal and will begin on January 1. He will be joined by Anthony Barry as assistant and could add further staff in the coming weeks.

The 2021 Champions League winner, who is still being paid by Bayern Munich after leaving the Bundesliga giants at the end of last season, is not planning to attend any Premier League games until his new role begins officially in the new year.

Lee Carsley will remain in interim charge for the remaining two Nations League fixtures, against Greece and Ireland, in mid-November but after losing to the former at Wembley earlier this month they face a tall order to finish top of the group.

Carsley, a former Ireland midfielder, is expected to return to his role as Under-21 head coach afterwards. He has been heavily criticised for refusing to sing the national anthem, leading to Tuchel being asked last week if he would participate when in charge.

“I haven’t made my decision yet, I want to be honest with you,” Tuchel said. “Your anthem is very moving, the English anthem is very moving. I’ve experienced several times at Wembley and even out with the players at an FA Cup final.

“It was very touching. No matter what decision I will make, and we have until March, I will always show my respect to my new role, the new country and a very moving anthem. As it’s a news object, I will take a little time for this decision.”

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