Thomas Tuchel was reportedly booed by England fans before the World Cup third place match against France. On Saturday, jeers could be heard after the Three Lions head coach was shown under fire on screens at Miami Stadium.
The 52-year-old is facing an inquest since witnessing his team’s dramatic collapse in Wednesday’s semi-final defeat to Argentina. Anthony Gordon’s goal gave them the lead, but in the embers they held off the defending champions’ onslaught, with Enzo Fernandes and Lautaro Martinez scoring twice in the closing stages. Despite signing a new long-term contract on the eve of the tournament, Tuchel is under intense scrutiny due to the way England’s hopes have evaporated.
Inside the Miami Stadium, the touring England squad made their feelings clear ahead of their third-place match against France. It was the latest blowback directed at Tuchel after England’s semi-final defeat to Argentina on Wednesday night.
The stadium announcer read out the names of both teams, and each was greeted with cheers. When it came to Tuchel’s game, the atmosphere changed dramatically at that point. The jeers are loud and unmistakable and will serve as a stark warning to both the FA and Tuchel about current public opinion.
Following Saturday’s bronze match against Didier Deschamps’ side, focus will now turn to the European Championship in two years’ time. England will jointly host the tournament with Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland.
The reality of fan opinion became clear in Miami on Saturday. However, the excitement turned into temporary joy as England closed in on a two-goal lead thanks to the performances of Declan Rice and Ezri Konsa.
In the build-up to Saturday’s game, Tuchel put up a united and defiant front as pressure mounted on him. Germans say, “I want to draw my own pictures.
“I think it’s a powerful statement for you to come out here and represent that half the country is against me, or that the country is divided. Let’s wait. What’s the problem? Even if I want to keep my job, my mind will never change.”
