Wayne Rooney blasts BBC pundits after England’s Euro 2024 heartbreak

Wayne Rooney has hit out at BBC pundits for turning on Thomas Tuchel after England’s Euro 2024 quarter-final exit to Switzerland. The Three Lions crashed out on penalties on 25 June 2024, a result that sparked fierce post-match debate.

What happened in the England camp?

England lost 2-1 to Switzerland in a tense quarter-final at the Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt. The Swiss took the lead through a 68th-minute goal from Manuel Akanji, before England equalised through Harry Kane’s 79th-minute penalty. The match went to extra time, then penalties, where England missed three spot-kicks to fall 5-4 on spot-kicks.

Why it matters for Wayne Rooney

Rooney, now a pundit himself, took aim at the BBC’s studio panel for their criticism of Tuchel after the defeat. He argued the backroom staff had done all they could with a thin squad and mounting injuries. The former England captain also pointed to the missed penalties as the decisive factor, not Tuchel’s tactics.

What comes next for England?

The FA will now review England’s Euro 2024 campaign amid calls for a rebuild. Tuchel’s future remains unclear, though Rooney suggested patience is needed. The next major tournament for England is the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, which kick off in September 2024.

How did Rooney react?

Rooney took to social media to share his frustration, writing: “Disgraceful from some pundits tonight. Easy to sit in the studio and rip into a gaffer when you’re not in the dugout.” His post drew thousands of replies, with many fans backing his stance. The outburst underlines the pressure on pundits to back managers publicly after heavy defeats.