Harry Redknapp has expressed his disappointment over the FA's decision to appoint German manager, Thomas Tuchel, as Gareth Southgate's successor for the England national team.
The ex-Chelsea manager is set to be unveiled at Wembley on Wednesday, having been fast-tracked into the role following constructive discussions early Tuesday. Tuchel, who has had stints at Chelsea, PSG, and Bayern Munich - including lifting the Champions League trophy with Chelsea in 2021 - will now become the third non-British coach of the England national team, following in the footsteps of Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello.
Despite Tuchel's impressive resume, Redknapp, the FA Cup-winning ex-Portsmouth and Tottenham manager, voiced his reservations to Sky Sports News. "He's lost his job quite quickly at a couple of clubs," Redknapp said.
"It's not like he's been a massive success. He's come and gone at a couple of clubs.
"I'm very patriotic, I think we should have an English manager, but the field was very small to choose from."
Tuchel's appointment comes amidst rumours that Manchester City's Pep Guardiola was also approached by the FA. They had previously indicated that nationality would not be a restricting factor in their hunt for the right candidate, as per reports from The Mirror.
In the interim, Under-21 coach Lee Carsley has been managing senior team duties for Nations League encounters throughout this autumn.
Carsley was initially in the frame for the role, but a lack of clear intent regarding his future aspirations had stoked further speculation around who would take up the position. After England's defeat to Greece last week, murmurs began that the FA might cast their net wider.
Tuchel - with a notable history at Mainz and Borussia Dortmund - emerged as an available candidate following his departure from Bayern Munich the previous summer. His appointment means reconnecting with England's captain, Harry Kane - currently with Bayern Munich after leaving Tottenham last summer.