Wayne Rooney makes Thomas Tuchel England admission after Manchester United links

Wayne Rooney has admitted he was 'surprised' to see England appoint Thomas Tuchel as their new manager.

The Manchester Evening News previously reported that Manchester United were lining up Tuchel as a potential replacement for Erik ten Hag. The German has previously won the Champions League at Chelsea, having also won league titles at Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain.

But Tuchel was surprisingly announced as Gareth Southgate's successor at England on Wednesday after signing an 18 month contract. The 51-year-old is looking to guide the Three Lions to World Cup glory in 2026.

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And Rooney has expressed his surprise at the announcement of Tuchel's appointment. The former Man United captain raised what the Football Association have done for English coaches and admitted he thought one of them would have been given the opportunity.

"I think he's [Tuchel] a very good coach, but surprised the FA have employed him," he said via BBC Sport.

"What the FA have built - and I was part of that and have seen first hand what they've built over the last 10, 15 years - it's been great. It's been a great platform for young coaches coming through, so I'm surprised they haven't gone in with one of their own.

"But they've made the decision and I wish him all the best, and I hope he does well for us."

The former England star added: "I think it is slightly different when you go to a World Cup or a European Championship and you're watching your [foreign] coach watch his home nation. I've experienced that first hand and it's not ideal.