– two years after he left England. At the same time, Thomas Tuchel gets to keep his job, despite massive criticism.
England suffered another heartbreaking championship defeat on Wednesday night, when Argentina won 2-1 in the World Cup semi-finals. The Whites were just five minutes away from their first World Cup final in 60 years – after Anthony Gordon sent them into the lead.
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Then came the nightmare: Enzo Fernández equalised, and Lautaro Martínez headed in the winning goal in injury time.
Tuchel gets to keep his job
Thomas Tuchel has been heavily criticised for his second-half decisions. Instead of chasing the decisive second goal, the German switched to a five-back line and invited pressure.
It cost England dearly. But it won’t cost Tuchel his job.
According to reports, the FA is willing to keep the former Chelsea boss – despite a majority of supporters calling for the sack.
Tuchel has led England for 18 months since he was hired in January 2025 and has made it clear that he will lead the Three Lions into the 2028 European Championship.
“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 of the World Cup,” Tuchel said when asked about his future.
Will Gareth Southgate, who has said he wants to coach a club again, travel to the backyard of football, the United States?
While Tuchel looks set to stay, Gareth Southgate could be on his way to his first managerial job since leaving England.
According to reports, Southgate is being considered as a replacement for US boss Mauricio Pochettino. The Argentine led the host nation to the last eight of the World Cup, where they lost 4-1 to Belgium. Mauricio Pochettino, who has been offered an extension of his contract with a plus of $2 million on his salary, naturally wants to return to Europe and preferably the Premier League.
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Southgate is a leading candidate due to his broad experience in international football. Pochettino’s contract expires in the summer, and his future is uncertain.
“Now is not the time to talk about it”
Pochettino was evasive when asked about his future after the loss to Belgium:
“Now is not the time to talk about it. Now is the time to watch and assess the tournament. I’m sure that in the next few weeks we can start talking – if US Soccer wants to talk.
A decision is expected in the coming weeks – and it could open the door for Southgate.
Southgate’s legacy
The former Middlesbrough boss did not deliver silver to England, but he did give a nation that had long underperformed in championships new hope.
Southgate won 61 of his 102 games as England boss and came painstakingly close to winning Euro 2024 – where they lost 2-1 to Spain. He also led England to the World Cup semi-finals in 2018.
Tuchel’s appointment should give England the chance to take the final step. But perhaps their best chance of winning a World Cup was already past them.
If the German hadn’t been so negative in the second half against Argentina, England could have celebrated a place in the final instead.
