Thomas Tuchel is set to remain as England manager until Euro 2028 after receiving the backing of the Football Association following the Three Lions’ painful World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina.
England appeared to be heading towards their first World Cup final since 1966 when Anthony Gordon put them ahead in Atlanta, but late goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez gave Argentina a dramatic 2-1 victory.
The result has placed Tuchel’s tactics under intense scrutiny, particularly his decision to replace Gordon with defender Ezri Konsa and move to a back five as England attempted to protect their lead.
However, despite the criticism, Tuchel has made clear that he intends to remain in charge and the FA has given no indication that it is considering replacing him.
England collapse after taking the lead
The semi-final had been a tight and physical contest before Gordon broke the deadlock in the 55th minute, finishing from Morgan Rogers’ cross.
Argentina then began to take control, with England dropping deeper and struggling to keep possession.
Tuchel switched to a back five during the final 20 minutes, replacing goalscorer Gordon with Konsa. Reece James and Declan Rice were later taken off for Dan Burn and Nico O’Reilly.
Following the change of formation, Argentina dominated the ball and created a succession of chances. Alexis Mac Allister struck the post before Fernandez finally equalised with a powerful effort in the 86th minute.
England looked set to take the game into extra time when Mac Allister hit the woodwork again, but Messi recovered possession and crossed for Martinez to head home the winner in stoppage time.
Marcus Rashford and Ivan Toney were introduced after Argentina’s second goal, but England were unable to create another clear opportunity.
Tuchel admits England became too passive
Tuchel defended the decision to add another defender, arguing that England had already begun conceding too many crosses before the tactical change.
He said: “We were so close but we got too passive after we scored. We conceded a lot of chances and we could not turn the ball possession around.
“We conceded so, so many crosses and chances and shots. We were close but we couldn’t keep the level up after we scored.
“We conceded [chances] straight away, we decided to go to a back five because the gaps were far too open.
“They won every header, they kept crossing and crossing so we went to a back five to close the gaps inside and be strong in the air because straight after our goal with no substitutions, we just conceded way too many crosses and way too many chances.”
Tuchel added: “It doesn’t help if you don’t have the ball. We couldn’t get out. Of course we wanted to go for the second goal but I had the feeling it was not a substitution that would help.”
England captain Harry Kane offered a blunt assessment, admitting that attempting to protect the advantage had not worked.
He said: “I’m gutted. Once we went 1-0 up we seemed to just try and hold on which at this level is just not enough, so I’m gutted.
“We worked so hard to be here. The lads have given every last bit of running, sweat, blood, tears, whatever it is, so to fall short like today is just gutting.”
What has the FA said about Tuchel?
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham stopped short of directly discussing Tuchel’s tactics but publicly praised both the manager and his players following the defeat.
He said: “It is heartbreaking to be so close. 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.”
Reports today indicate that Tuchel retains the FA’s backing and there are no plans to activate any break clause in his contract.
The German extended his original deal earlier this year and is contracted to lead England into Euro 2028, which will be staged across England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland.
Will Tuchel stay or go?
As things stand, Tuchel stays.
Asked directly about his future after the Argentina defeat, he said: “We keep on going with the contract until the home Euros.
“I’m looking forward to that even though right now it’s difficult to look that far ahead.”
Reaching a World Cup semi-final is enough for the FA to continue backing Tuchel, even if the manner of England’s defeat has raised serious questions about his decision-making under pressure.
Tuchel was appointed with the aim of turning England’s near misses into a major trophy. He came close, but the team’s retreat after taking the lead against Argentina resembled the cautious approach that had been criticised during previous tournaments.
The FA’s position is therefore one of continuity rather than change. Tuchel will be expected to use the next two years to develop a more convincing style and prove England can control the decisive stages of major matches rather than simply attempting to survive them.
England’s tournament is not quite finished, with the Three Lions due to face France in the third-place play-off in Miami on Saturday. Tuchel said the players would approach the match professionally, despite admitting neither side wanted to be involved in it.
