MARK BULLINGHAM claimed there is a lack of top-quality English coaches to choose from — yet never approached Eddie Howe.
The FA chief executive insists he had to go abroad for a new boss and that Thomas Tuchel was the ideal candidate.
Bullingham revealed the FA spoke to ten managers but SunSport understands Newcastle boss Howe was not one of them.
He said: “We ran a really clear process. We spoke to approximately ten throughout the process.
“Clearly some were more up for the role than others.
“We were absolutely delighted to end up with Thomas and we believe he gives us the best chance of winning the World Cup.”
Although Howe was not spoken to, the FA knew that Newcastle would have demanded a large amount of compensation.
Another English boss in the running was Graham Potter, out of work since being sacked by Chelsea last year.
But Bullingham still believes the pathway for English coaches is clear.
He said: “If you look at St George’s Park overall, it has been a really good success.
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ANDY DILLON: Thomas Tuchel has all the ingredients to become a classic England manager – tactical nous, drive and a tangled love life
By Andy Dillon
THOMAS TUCHEL possesses all the ingredients to become a classic England manager.
Tactical nous, drive, energy, experience – a tangled love life.
English football should welcome back the most explosive, dynamic, charismatic and impossibly tall and gangly coach to have lit up the Premier League.
Chelsea’s colourful former boss has been leading a settled life in Munich of late.
Far enough away from ex-wife Sissi but close enough to see his two daughters.
Walking his dog in the streets in the east of Germany’s most fashionable city, residing in the posh Bogenhausen area. Living relatively quietly with his Brazilian girlfriend.
Tuchel is a vastly different personality to the man who led England quietly but assuredly to the brink of World Cups and European Championships.
An excitable nature can make him hard to handle for those seeking calm and who like to impose their way on a manager they view very much as an underling.
Read more on why Tuchel REALLY IS the best man for the England job
“Our pathway is really strong, both from a coaches and players point of view. There are a lot of fantastic young coaches.
“Clearly you would love to have five to ten domestic candidates who are coaching clubs in your domestic league, challenging and winning honours in your domestic league and European football.
Inside FA’s thrilling chase for Tuchel
THE FA’s path to securing Thomas Tuchel’s signature was not a straightforward one.
They tried to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City over the summer.
They even made contact with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after deciding to target trophy-laden foreign gaffers.
The FA’s determination to go international was summed up by their decision NOT to interview Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.
Initial talks with Tuchel saw him express a slight interest in replacing Gareth Southgate.
But he was waiting to see what would happen at Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s future under the spotlight.
Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually decided to stick with Ten Hag – and that opened the door to the FA getting their man.
Read the full story on England’s thrilling pursuit of Thomas Tuchel.
“We are not quite in that place at the moment.
“As we set out our process, our priority was to find someone that can give our players the best possible chance to win.
“We have found that, and we have got Thomas — and we are delighted.”
Aside from Howe, only Everton’s Sean Dyche and Wolves’ Gary O’Neil are English Prem bosses but Southampton’s Russell Martin was born in England despite playing for Scotland.
Ashley Cole has been appointed as a full-time national coach at the FA.
And Lee Carsley returns to lead the Under-21s after his stint as seniors boss ends this year.
Bullingham added: “We would love to have more English coaches managing in the Premier League.”
Tuchel’s English No 2 at Chelsea and Bayern Munich, Anthony Barry, will join the German in the Three Lions dugout.
And Bullingham said: “We had a clear recruitment plan in place before the Euros and a shortlist if we needed it.
“Thomas was absolutely outstanding, providing a really clear vision for the role and how he would work with our players.”
