Thursday, July 16th 2026
England’s Football Association has decided to continue with Thomas Tuchel despite losing 2-1 to Argentina in the 2026 World Cup semi-final.
England took the lead early in the second half through Anthony Gordon and looked close to qualifying for their first World Cup final since 1966.
However, Tuchel’s tactical decisions after The goal has drawn heavy criticism as the German coach made several defensive substitutions and pulled the team close to their own area.
Defensive substitutions cost England
In the 72nd minute, Tuchel sent off goalscorer Anthony Gordon, activating centre-back Ezri Konsa and switching to a five-man defensive system.
Ten minutes later, Dan Burn replaced Reece James. injured, while full-back Nico O’Reilly came on for midfielder Declan Rice.
Argentina took advantage of England’s withdrawal and increased the pressure. Lionel Messi created two goals in a short time, assisting first Enzo Fernandez and then Lautaro Martinez, who overturned the result.
Tuchel reacted by activating Ivan Toney and Marcus Rashford in extra minutes, but it was too late to change the course of the match.
Rooney: It all started with the coach’s decisions
England legend Wayne Rooney was among the harshest critics of the decisions of the coach. Tuchel.
“We gave up. It all started with the coach and the decisions he made. The approach was very passive,” Rooney told the BBC.
“When I saw the changes we made in the 1-0 result, I thought that if Argentina scored, we wouldn’t even be able to take the game to extra time.”
The former Manchester United striker joined a large number of analysts who accused Tuchel of losing the initiative by trying to protect the minimal advantage.
After the match, the England coach explained that the switch to a five-man defense came as a result of Argentina’s large spaces and high number of crosses.
“Even in the previous games I made attacking substitutions. This time we just tried to help the players”, declared Tuchel.
“Immediately they created one chance and we decided to switch to a five-man defense because the spaces were too big.”
“They were winning every aerial duel and were constantly sending crosses. The goal of switching to a five-man defense was to close the spaces in the center and be stronger in the air.” crosses and many chances. We only tried to help the team”, he added.
Despite calls for Tuchel to be sacked after the elimination, the leaders of the English FA have decided to support the German coach.
According to ESPN sources, Tuchel is expected to stay in charge of England until the 2028 European Championship.
The 52-year-old coach had signed a two-year contract extension before the start of the World Cup and The FA wants him to continue his work, despite falling short of the target of winning football’s most prestigious trophy.
“It’s very painful to come so close,” said FA chief executive Mark Bullingham.
“The players and Thomas gave everything. The squad, coaches and staff could not have worked harder during this tournament.”
“I want to thank everyone, as well as the fans.” our wonderful players here in the United States and in England. We’ve felt their support every step of the way and we’re extremely disappointed not to be able to go further.”
England face France for third place
Tuchel’s side will now face France in Saturday’s bronze medal match in Miami.
The England coach admitted that neither team wanted to played in this meeting, as the goal of both national teams was the final.
“None of our players and none of the French footballers want to play this match. Everyone wanted to be in the final,” declared Tuchel.
“We gave everything to get there. Everyone participates to win the World Cup, but this is the situation now and we have to accept it.” /GazetaExpress/
Source: prizrenpost
