Thomas Tuchel has insisted he is “100%” committed to remaining as England manager and leading the team to Euro 2028 after admitting there is still an “extra level” to find following the side’s painful World Cup semi-final exit.
The German coach came under heavy fire for the manner of Wednesday’s 2-1 defeat by Argentina in Atlanta, when his decision to switch to a back five with 20 minutes remaining while 1-0 up backfired spectacularly. The defending champions scored twice in the closing stages to book a final date with Spain and prolong England’s trophy drought.
Tuchel, however, maintains the system was not the root cause of the collapse and instead pointed to the passivity of his players after Anthony Gordon opened the scoring in the 55th minute. He suggested it is not in England’s DNA to control games with the ball – precisely the issue the FA hired him to solve.
Possession between Gordon goal (55') and Martínez goal (90+2'): 12%
Tuchel's contract: Extended until Euro 2028 in February 2026
World Cup campaign: Semi-finals – eliminated by Argentina
“I said after the quarter-final win against Norway that I see a disconnect from what I see in training on a football level and within the games. We can impose ourselves more on the ball. We can show what good football players we are. That is still in us as I see it in training and in every camp. And here also at the World Cup. I still feel there is an extra level that we need to conquer. We need to step up to the next level to get the big prize.”
Despite the familiar heartbreak, Tuchel retains the full backing of the FA, who acknowledged the logistical challenges of the tournament – including 13 flights, altitude in Mexico City and brutal heat. The governing body is hopeful that a European Championship co-hosted on home soil will be less taxing.
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham was quick to offer support after the final whistle: “It is heartbreaking to be so close. The players and Thomas gave it everything and the squad, coaches and staff could not have worked harder during the tournament. I would like to thank them all.”
Tuchel pointed to a tactical shift from Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni, who replaced defensive midfielder Leandro Paredes with winger Nico González on 64 minutes and switched to a 4-2-4, as a turning point. “We got too passive within our structure. I tried to help … for us to actually be more active in a back five, to be quicker out to their wingers. We encouraged everyone to step out, to be more active but we just struggled.”
Scaloni’s all-out gamble paid off when Lautaro Martínez netted the winner in stoppage time, condemning England to yet another near miss and leaving Tuchel to face questions about his future. The 52-year-old, who signed a contract extension in February to take him through to Euro 2028, was unequivocal when asked if he wanted to continue.
“Yes, 100%. There is still enough to improve and I am more than happy to do that. I’ve loved every day of the World Cup.”
Attention now turns to the next cycle and a European Championship that England will co-host, with Tuchel tasked with finally unlocking the potential of a talented generation and delivering a first senior men’s trophy since 1966.