Sarina Wiegman responds to backlash over Thomas Tuchel's England appointment

Sarina Wiegman has hit back at critics who slammed the recent appointment of Thomas Tuchel as England's new permanent men's team manager over his nationality.

The FA immediately came under fire this month when Tuchel was confirmed as Gareth Southgate's successor on an 18-month contract, with detractors mostly focusing on him being German.

Tuchel follows in the footsteps of Sven Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello as previous foreign coaches put in charge of the Three Lions, although his appointment marks the first time England's men haven't had an English manager in 12 years.

However, the same can't be said for England Women, thriving under a foreign-born coach in Wiegman, who delivered unprecedented success for her native Netherlands before starting work as Lionesses boss in 2021. Within months, her England team was crowned European champions.

Discussing the Tuchel backlash for the first time this week, she has stated that nationality shouldn't be a consideration when you've got a job to do.

Speaking ahead of England's Friday night friendly against Germany, she said of Tuchel: "He's very committed and has shown how good a coach he is. I hope that he will bring success for England."

At the time same, Lionesses captain Leah Williamson also praised Wiegman's tenure as manager describing the Dutchwoman as an "honorary Brit".

When asked her opinion on the Tuchel situation, Williamson explained: "Firstly, I don't think you can pick and choose when it suits you based on a result.

"I think England teams want to win and the best coach will always be appointed. It's not my place to speak on managers, but I know we've all been very happy with Sarina."

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