'A dark day for England!' Thomas Tuchel's appointment as new boss lambasted by Mike Parry: 'I can't believe it!'

In his first statement since the announcement, Tuchel declared he is "very proud" to be chosen to lead the team, and has "long felt a personal connection to the game in this country".

Prince William, Patron of the Football Association, hailed the announcement as "exciting times" for the national team, and wished Tuchel the "best of luck" in his new role.

Delivering his verdict on Gareth Southgate's official replacement, broadcaster and former head of communications at the FA Mike Parry admitted that the "can't believe" the decision England have made.

Parry fumed: "This is the third time the Football Association have done it. We had Sven-Goran Eriksson, then we had Fabio Capello who were useless. Capello never learnt to speak English.

"I had lunch with him once and we had to take an Italian journalist to interpret. And yet he was in charge of English players."

Noting Tuchel's past failures at Bayern Munich, Parry highlighted that it is "virtually impossible" to be sacked by the club, but England's new manager was.

Parry told GB News: "This man was unemployed after getting sacked by Bayern Munich. It is virtually impossible to get sacked by Bayern Munich, because you always win the Bundesliga and have done for the last 20 odd years. But he did.

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"And now England are taking him on at £6million a year - I can't believe it."

Echoing one of the press headlines about the announcement, claiming it is a "dark day for England", Parry agreed, stating: "I dislike this. The headline in the paper might be a bit strong, a dark day for England, but I truly believe it is a dark day for England."

Offering a positive verdict on Tuchel joining England as manager, Peace and Justice Campaigner Samuel Sweek claimed it is the "best England management news in years".

He explained: "Thomas Tuchel, a born winner, I can say this as a Chelsea fan, I loved his time at the club, and it was sad it ended so prematurely.

"Let's not forget as well - Sarina Wiegman, England women's manager, won the the Euros, is Dutch. Don't need English talent, there are some great coaches out there."

When pressed by host Bev Turner on whether this highlights a "serious point" about the FA "not bringing through English football talent", Sweek agreed, explaining: "It is a very, very serious issue with grassroots football and the lack of investment that comes from television and sponsorship deals. It should be put into the grassroots."

Andrew Pierce then interjected, concluding: "People watching will have a really strong view about the England football team.

"We all want them to do well, but it is a bit poor that we can't find a home grown bloke or woman to manage them."