FA backs England manager Thomas Tuchel
The Football Association has thrown its full support behind Thomas Tuchel, confirming the German will remain England manager despite their heartbreaking World Cup semi-final exit against Argentina.
The Three Lions looked on course to reach their first World Cup final since 1966 after Anthony Gordon’s second-half opener in Atlanta. However, late goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez turned the tie on its head, leaving England to face France in Saturday’s third-place play-off instead.
Despite the devastating nature of the 2-1 defeat, and subsequent heavy criticism of Tuchel’s in-game tactical decisions, FA Chief Executive Mark Bullingham confirmed the governing body is fully committed to the manager. Tuchel’s contract, which was extended prior to the tournament, runs until 2028, and the FA intends for him to lead the team into the next European Championship.
”It is heartbreaking to be so close,” Bullingham said in a statement. “The players and Thomas gave it everything today, and the squad, coaches, and staff could not have worked harder during the tournament.”
The controversy surrounding Tuchel stems from his decision to switch to a defensive back five after Gordon’s 55th-minute goal. The tactical pivot saw Gordon replaced by defender Ezri Konsa, leading to England ceding 88% of possession to Argentina in the final 35 minutes of the match.
Former England defender Gary Neville warned that “England will never have a better chance to reach a World Cup final,” while Wayne Rooney argued that Tuchel’s negative changes ultimately cost the team.
Tuchel, however, defended his choices, insisting his team had become too passive even before the substitutions were made. “We were so close, but we got too passive after we scored,” the former Chelsea boss said. “It was not a structural problem; the match changed completely, and we couldn’t keep the ball.”
England captain Harry Kane also leaped to his manager’s defence, stating that the squad “win and lose together” and that Tuchel “would have been called a genius if it had worked.”
With the FA prioritizing technical stability, Tuchel will have the chance to rebuild and prepare for Euro 2028 on home soil, hoping to finally deliver the silverware that has eluded the nation for sixty years.
