The England national team manager is not particularly popular, understandable after making a tactical mistake against Argentina even a coach in Asker Fotball would not do.
France vs. England: Everything you need to know about the bronze final no one wants to play
Thomas Tuchel is under heavy pressure after his World Cup exit – but now it is revealed that he was not England’s first choice. The FA supposedly had a verbal agreement with a completely different manager.
Following Gareth Southgate’s departure following the 2024 Euro final loss to Spain, the English Football Association was looking for a manager with one thing in mind: to win the 2026 World Cup.
After Lee Carsley served as interim solution from August to November 2024, Thomas Tuchel was hired as the new national team manager.
The German started on January 1, 2025 and led England comfortably to the World Cup finals – with eight wins in eight games and zero goals conceded.
Read: No Norwegian players at Manchester United since Solskjaer! “Now they want at least two World Cup heroes”
Road to the semi-finals
In the championship itself, England went through the group stage well with wins against Croatia and Panama, but also a frustrating 0-0 draw against Ghana.
Harry Kane saved England from exit against DR Congo in the round of 32 with two heroic goals, before Jude Bellingham shone in the 3-2 win over Mexico in the last eight.
In the quarter-finals, Erling Haaland’s Norway stood in England’s way – and only a fourth World Cup semi-final ever. Despite England falling behind, Bellingham scored two goals and secured victory in injury time – and thus a tempting semi-final against Argentina.
England took the lead through Anthony Gordon, but late goals by Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez meant England’s wait for a World Cup final would last at least another four years.
Tuchel harshly criticized
Tuchel was heavily criticized after the loss. The fans, pundits – and even his own players – argued that England were retreating too deeply and inviting pressure. Ironically, exactly the same as his predecessor Southgate was criticized for.
Despite the criticism, the FA has kept faith in the German. FA boss Mark Bullingham stated:
“It’s heartbreaking to be so close. The players and Thomas gave it their all today, and the squad, coaches and support staff couldn’t have worked harder throughout the tournament.
“I want to thank them all – and also give my heartfelt thanks to our amazing fans here in the United States and at home. We felt their support all the way, and we are all so disappointed that there was not more.
Tuchel himself was clear that he is 100 percent invested in leading England to the European Championship in 2028.
“Yes, 100 percent. There is still a lot to improve and I am more than happy to do so. I’ve loved every single day in the World Cup,” he said.
Guardiola was the first priority
But things could have looked completely different, according to a report from The Athletic.
The newspaper claims that the FA intended to hire Pep Guardiola as Southgate’s successor in 2024 – and that they even had a verbal agreement in place, before Guardiola opted to stay at Manchester City for one more season.
Guardiola failed to lead City to silver in the 2024/25 season, but won the FA Cup and League Cup in 2025/26. He then retired at the end of the season and is now without a job.
England will face France in the bronze final in Miami on Saturday 18 July.
Pep Guardiola has been named the world’s best coach three times, has won the Champions League three times, La Liga and the Bundesliga and Premier League six times. Thomas Tuchel has won the Champions League once, the Bundesliga once and Ligue 1 twice. – Both have won a bunch of cups.
One thing is certain: Had Guardiola said yes, England’s World Cup history would have looked completely different.
And then a little thought!! – Pep Guardiola is available on the market.
