Jamie Carragher forced to clarify 'embarrassing' Thomas Tuchel comment after backlash from England fans

Jamie Carragher has clarified his comments about Thomas Tuchel becoming the next England head coach after receiving criticism from some supporters.

Tuchel, 51, was confirmed as England's new permanent head coach on Wednesday, with the German set to officially begin his role on January 1.

He is the third foreign manager to coach the Three Lions, following in the footsteps of Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello.

But his appointment has divided opinion, with some questioning the hiring of a non-English coach to replace Gareth Southgate.

Carragher is among those who feel that an English coach should have been appointed instead.

Speaking on The Overlap US, Carragher said: "I've always been of the opinion that the England manager should be English.

"I thought he was fantastic at Chelsea that it was a huge mistake to lose him. He was going up against Pep [Guardiola] and [Jurgen] Klopp, and he beat Pep in the Champions League final - we shouldn't forget. So, I think if he comes in, in terms of quality of manager - I think it's a great appointment.

"But for me, I think it's embarrassing from an England point of view that we have a foreign manager."

Carragher later added on Sky Sports News: "It just doesn't feel right to me that we have a foreign coach."

The former Liverpool defender received a backlash from some England fans on social media over his comments.

"A great coach is a great coach, no matter where they're from," posted one fan on X.

While another added: "If a foreign coach can help us win, why not? It's all about skills not where they're from."

However, others agreed with Carragher's view on the matter.

"Jamie always brings up valid points," posted one fan on X, while another added: "Even as an American I wish we had an American coach. Even though the best coaches are clearly not around here.

"Love Jamie's perspective!"

Carragher later took to X to clarify his comments and to wish Tuchel good luck in his new role.

Tuchel has managed Chelsea, Bayern Munich and PSG among other clubs (Image: Getty)

"Just to clarify, I didn't vote for Brexit!!!," he joked.

"My view is international football is your best v their best. Good luck Thomas!"

Carragher's fellow Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville has also questioned the appointment of Tuchel, echoing the former Liverpool man's comments.

"I am not sure it meets the criteria of St George's Park and the belief in English coaches and the growth in the English team's performances over the last few years," Neville told Sky Sports News.

"Not just the men's, but the women's and the youth teams as well. St George's Park was going to be a hot bed of proving that English coaches could get back to the top of European football.

"That is proving to be very difficult. It's difficult for English coaches to get the top jobs in the Premier League and rightly so we have some of the best clubs in the world."