Thomas Tuchel was hammered down by critics and fans after the World Cup exit against Argentina. Now England have made a decision about the German’s future.
It was supposed to be England’s big night. Instead, Atlanta witnessed another English heartbreak as Argentina turned 1-0 into 2-1 and sent the Three Lions out of the World Cup semi-finals. Anthony Gordon gave England the lead in the 55th minute – but then came the shock. Enzo Fernandez equalised, and in the 91st minute, Lautaro Martinez popped up on a header to send the reigning world champions to their second straight final.
Read: Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen hammer Thomas Tuchel – ‘The decisions cost us’
For England, it once again meant that the party was cancelled. The last time they played a final was in 1966, on home soil.
Tuchel’s substitution in rough weather
The German had to review after the game. When he replaced match-winner Gordon with Ezri Konsa and switched to five full-backs, England invited Argentina to attack. Dan Burn and Nico O’Reilly came on and it wasn’t until the 96th minute that Marcus Rashford and Ivan Toney were thrown in for a last-ditch attempt.
It worked against Mexico, when England defended brilliantly with ten men and took a historic victory at Azteca. But against Argentina, the tactic was punished.
Between Gordon’s opening goal and Martinez’s winning goal, England had only 12 percent possession. Twelve percent in a World Cup semi-final.
Clear similarities with the pain of the past
The scenario was suspiciously reminiscent of the bitter exits under Gareth Southgate: first scoring, then holding, then losing. Against Croatia in 2018, against Italy in the Euro 2021 final – and now against Argentina in 2026.
Many questioned whether Tuchel, who was brought in to do what Southgate never could, was the right man for the job.
Tuchel stays – promises revenge in 2028
Despite the disappointment, Tuchel is still at the helm. He has a contract until the end of the 2028 European Championship, which England will host alongside Wales, Scotland and Ireland – and he has no plans to leave the position.
“First of all: The World Cup is not over. We still have a game to play, even if it’s not the one we wanted. Then we continue. I have a contract for the home European Championship and I’m looking forward to it – even though it’s hard to see so far right now,” Tuchel said after the game.
According to ESPN, he also has the full support of the FA. He signed an extension already in February, and is thus set to lead England for another two years.
FA boss: “Heartbreakingly close”
FA boss Mark Bullingham praised both Tucel and the players in a statement from the camp in Kansas City:
“It’s heartbreaking to be so close. The players and Thomas gave everything today, and the squad, coaches and support staff couldn’t have worked harder in the tournament. I want to thank them all – and also send a heartfelt thank you to our wonderful supporters here in the US and at home. We felt their support on every single meter, and we are all devastated that there was no more.
One battle remains
England’s tournament is still not over. On Saturday, the bronze final awaits in Miami against the loser of the other semi-final – a consolation prize that can hopefully bring a little smile after a brutal World Cup exit.
For Tuchel, the job he was hired to do still awaits: giving England their first World Cup title since 1966. He will have two more years to try that.
