Manager Thomas Tuchel has come under fire for what many perceive to be negative tactics following England’s late defeat to arch-rivals Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals.
Thomas Tuchel has been heavily criticized following England’s World Cup exit (Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
The Football Association will carry out a thorough investigation into Thomas Tuchel’s performance at the World Cup and England’s performance all season, once the dust settles following the tough defeat to Argentina.
Tuchel has been heavily criticized by fans and pundits alike for the manner in which England’s heartbreaking 2-1 defeat ended with Argentina’s string of quick-fire goals denying the Three Lions what would have been their first appearance in a World Cup final since 1966. Anthony Gordon gave England the lead, but Lionel Messi immediately took control and engineered an inspired comeback as Tuchel’s side found themselves in a poor position.
England and Tuchel will have no choice but to lick their wounds ahead of Saturday’s third-place match against France as Argentina prepare to reach their second successive World Cup final.
And while there are reports that the FA are firmly backing Tuchel despite the backlash over England’s lackluster second half, The Times reports that they will review his performance as well as the team’s.
The report adds that it remains to be seen whether Tuchel will maintain the same level of support after John McDermott and the technical department led the review and assessed all aspects of the competition.
Tuchel guided England to their fourth ever World Cup semi-final and oversaw what many consider to be their best ever away performance, with the Azteca’s emphatic win over Mexico a performance that was often scrutinized.
Thomas Tuchel and England lose to Argentina in Atlanta (Image: AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
The German signed a two-year contract extension to take part in Euro 2028 in the months leading up to the World Cup. FA chief executive Mark Bullingham later revealed there was a performance-related clause in the contract.
Wayne Rooney was one of the pundits who took the blame squarely at Tuchel after the game, with an overwhelming feeling that England had fallen back too deep and too quickly.
But when Tuchel was asked if he was still the man to lead England to Euro 2028, his answer was defiant.
England led until their hearts gave way in the closing stages (Image: Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)
“Yes, 100 percent. There’s still plenty to improve on. I’m very happy to be able to do that.”
“I loved it here. I loved every day. After the Norway game I said there is a departure from what I have seen in training at the football level, but I think in the matches we will impose ourselves on the ball more. I think we can still show how good football players we are. I think it is still in us, as we have seen in training and in all camps, and here at the World Cup as well.”
“I feel like there are still levels to overcome and I need to step up to the next level to win the major prize.”
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