Thomas Tuchel has maintained the support of the Football Association despite England's deflating World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, and appears set to remain as manager ahead of Euro 2028.
Tuchel's appointment and contract extension
The 52-year-old former Chelsea manager was appointed as Sir Gareth Southgate's replacement in November 2024, widely regarded as possessing the tactical expertise needed to surpass his predecessor's achievements - Southgate having fallen short in back-to-back European Championship finals and a World Cup semi-final. Tuchel's original contract covered only this World Cup, however in February he signed an extension through to 2028, with every intention of steering England through the home Euros.
World Cup semi-final heartbreak
Anthony Gordon's goal had England firmly on course to reach a first men's World Cup final since 1966, before Tuchel's defensive tactical changes allowed Argentina back into the contest, culminating in a gut-wrenching 2-1 defeat in the Atlanta semi-final that stirred painful echoes of tournaments gone by. The German head coach's cautious approach has drawn fierce criticism and placed him under considerable pressure from fans and pundits.
Gary Lineker described Thomas Tuchel’s tactics in the game as “unfathomable.” He said: "I found it absolutely unfathomable that, if your tactic is to sit everyone deep, you do that against the greatest player ever to play football." Lineker added: “I think he’s just cementing that game after game after game. Most goals in the World Cup, most assists in the World Cup. And he moves to the right, and you play a back five, and you still don’t go and get tight to him. Just put someone on him. He had so much space. He just whipped ball after ball after ball into the box.”
FA backing and Tuchel's response
Despite criticism, Tuchel continues to have the support of the FA, the Press Association understands. Speaking after the Argentina defeat, the head coach said: "I have a contract until the home Euros and I'm looking forward to that even like now it is difficult to look that far ahead." England flew back to their Kansas City base following Wednesday's agonising loss in Georgia, where FA chief executive Mark Bullingham was forthcoming in his praise of Tuchel. "It is heartbreaking to be so close," he said. He added: "The players and Thomas gave it everything today and the squad, coaches and staff could not have worked harder during the tournament. I would like to thank them all – and also give my heartfelt thanks to our wonderful fans here in the USA and at home. We felt your support every step of the way and we are all so disappointed not to go further."
Upcoming third-place play-off
England cannot yet head home, as the squad must make their way back to Miami a week on from winning their quarter-final against Norway at the Hard Rock Stadium. A third-place play-off against France lies ahead, and Saturday's fixture will prove a difficult occasion for everyone concerned. Tuchel said: "A lot of lot of big, big, big football nations are eliminated before the semi-final, so, yeah, it is an achievement. No-one wants to hear that at the moment. Me neither, because we demand the most of ourselves. That's just the nature of being competitive." He added: "The nature of being so competitive (means) also puts the next game into perspective. Nobody of these (England) players, nobody of French players wants to play this match. They want to play in the final. We gave everything to be in the final. Everyone plays to win the World Cup, but it is what it is. We have for a day less and to recover, but we will do it professionally, of course."
Team morale and recovery
Tuchel described the mood after the match: "I didn't say a lot (to the players afterwards). Nothing what you say in the dressing room can take away the pain or the disappointment, of course. We all know these moments, so I said let's take it with respect, let's digest it first. Accept that we gave everything. That is a big part in a defeat." He added: "Did we do everything to arrive in this semi-final? Did we give everything? 100 per cent we did, and I think the fans will realise that and do realise that. The second of all is to bounce back, to react. That's what you have to do on highest level in sports. It's what is demanded and what we will do."
