Neil Harris, the head coach of Millwall, expressed his disappointment with the Football Association’s decision to hire Thomas Tuchel, a German, as the new manager of the England national team. Harris, a passionate England fan, acknowledged Tuchel’s accomplishments but emphasized his preference for an English manager, citing the importance of upholding English football traditions and values.
Harris highlighted the abundance of talented English coaches and managers within the Premier League who could have been considered for the role. He questioned whether the reluctance to pay compensation for English candidates or the tendency to favor foreign coaches in English football was contributing to the lack of opportunities for local talent.
As a strong advocate for grassroots football and a holder of coaching badges up to the pro license level, Harris praised the development of coaching facilities like St George’s Park. However, he raised concerns about the increasing reliance on foreign coaches and players in English football, urging a reevaluation of the current trends in hiring practices.
While Harris pledged his support for Tuchel as the new England manager, he called for a reflection on the balance between foreign and English influence in the sport. The debate surrounding the appointment of national team managers reflects a broader discussion about the impact of globalization on football and the preservation of national identity in the sport.
