Manager Thomas Tuchel led England to the World Cup quarter-finals. The FA has left no doubt about his future after the tournament, although some performances have left much to be desired.
Thomas Tuchel was given a contract extension earlier this year (Image: Michael Regan – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Let’s be clear about one thing: Thomas Tuchel would not have been sacked if England had lost to Mexico.
However, if England had lost to the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the previous match, Tuchel would have been under intense pressure and it might have been difficult for him to survive. However, the Football Association hired Tuchel because of his background, reputation and notable track record in knockout football.
His performances at club level meant he scored 74 per cent in knockout games, earned him the England international job and led Chelsea to Champions League glory. When the FA hired him, they brought him in because they wanted an elite coach with the aura and ability to build on the work that Sir Gareth Southgate had done and lead them to big trophies.
England are three wins away from lifting the World Cup, starting with Saturday’s quarter-final against Norway in Miami. Suddenly, things are opening up for Tuchel and it’s easy to see why he is an elite manager, even though the football has always been close.
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Tuchel has a wonderfully single-minded approach to management, which can be tough at times, but as well as playing good attacking football, he is also a bold and ambitious person. When Tuchel named his players in his squad, serious doubts arose after he had to leave Trent Alexander-Arnold and Harry Maguire at home.
Tuchel wanted unity, not a player who would get frustrated and kick his heels during camp. Instead, Tuchel brought in a mix of young and old, from veteran defender John Stones to younger players like Nico O’Reilly and Coby Mainu.
No one could understand why Tuchel brought in Dan Byrne other than because he was a good tourist and was good for the group. Well, against Mexico we saw the other side of him as a good, resilient defender who blocks and heads anything that moves.
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Thomas Tuchel’s stock is on the rise after the World Cup (Image: Michael Regan – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
The rearguard action also included a great cameo by John Stones, who changed perceptions during one victory. Tuchel is suddenly back in form, as reaching the World Cup quarter-finals is still something to be admired.
They knew they would have to act as a rearguard at some stage and Byrne’s determination and flair meant he was of great value to the defence. Tuchel also demonstrated in the match that there is more than one way to approach a match, especially one played at high altitude.
England didn’t press very high or aggressively. But they worked hard and found a way to win. Tuchel exudes confidence, is fun and enjoys taking part in the players’ activities.
When the FA hired Tuchel, they hired an elite coach with a reputation for getting the best out of his players. In my opinion they should not have given him new contacts. There is no longer much of a crisis and even if England lose to Norway in the quarter-finals, England will not try to sack him as he continues to develop.
The FA wants to keep Thomas Tuchel at Euro 2028 (Image: Michael Regan – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
The FA likes Tuchel so much that they gave him a new contract, which is their only mistake so far. They can’t change course now. If he had performed poorly at the World Cup, doubts would have been raised. Why give him a new contract?
No matter what happens in this tournament, they’re not going to fire him. Not even if we lose to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The FA are very fond of him and are aware of the progress England are making under him.
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