Rooney: Guardiola is the only alternative available to coach England

Former England international Wayne Rooney believes Thomas Tuchel should continue as head coach of the English national team, unless the Football Association can hire Pep Guardiola.

The review of the reasons for failure continues, after England, twice European runners-up, squandered a chance to reach their second men's World Cup final, following a collapse against their Argentine rivals in the semi-finals.

Tuchel faced widespread criticism for his tactical decisions during England's 2-1 defeat to Argentina last Wednesday, as the team's performance declined and they lost the match in a manner reminiscent of major matches under his predecessor Gareth Southgate.

The British news agency PA Media understands that the German coach still has the support of key figures within the Football Association, which extended his contract until 2028 last February.

Rooney, former England captain, believes Tuchel should remain in his post unless the association manages to sign Guardiola, the former Manchester City coach, whom FA officials had previously contacted.

Rooney said on his show 'The Wayne Rooney Show': 'I don't see any other suitable coach currently, unless you can bring in Pep Guardiola. If Guardiola is available, it might be logical to sign him.'

He added: 'I think he is a world-class coach, and what sets top coaches apart is that they learn from their mistakes, develop, and become better.'

He continued: 'If they sack Tuchel, who would we bring in instead? I don't think there is currently anyone better than Thomas Tuchel, except Guardiola.'

He concluded: 'But the key point for me is that he has no experience in World Cup tournaments. We went through the same thing with Fabio Capello.'

He affirmed: 'The World Cup is a different tournament; you have to experience its atmosphere to understand it, and now Tuchel has had that experience.'