Thomas Tuchel's future already decided after England World Cup heartache

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Robin Bairner | Chief Editor

Accredited football journalist and editor covering the game since 2006

England’s 2-1 World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday has left head coach Thomas Tuchel under threat of the sack.

Tuchel’s side took the lead when Anthony Gordon slammed them into the lead early in the second half, but thereafter his tactical decisions have come under question.

After moving ahead, England dropped deep, inviting pressure on them. Argentina had rarely offered a threat until the Three Lions adopted a more defensive shape, and the South Americans profited in the closing stages of the game, with Lionel Messi setting up Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez to turn the match on its head.

FA will tell Tuchel they want him to stay

Defeat has led to anguished calls for Tuchel to leave his post, but the FA has already outlined its post-World Cup plan, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The transfer insider explained on YouTube: “Thomas Tuchel spoke after the game and, obviously, it was a difficult moment to be eliminated in a World Cup semi-final.

“He said: 'We played one of our best games, maybe the best one.' Then he added: 'It's too easy to criticise after losing. There are millions of coaches.'

“So Thomas Tuchel was still very confident about the job he did and the feeling he had about the squad.

“The message coming from people close to the English federation after the game is that, despite the disappointment of going out in the semi-finals and despite the criticism on social media, they want to continue with Tuchel.

“They will speak to him in the next few days and tell him they want him to stay. They want him to continue as part of the long-term project with the England national team.

“Then, of course, it's always up to the manager to decide, but the federation's position is very strong and very clear. They have total trust in Thomas Tuchel.”

Tuchel to lead England at Euro 2028

England have suffered defeat in each of their last seven World Cup knockout matches against opponents in the top 10 of the FIFA Ranking, Opta posted after the match.

Indeed, the Three Lions may have overcome Mexico away in the last 16, but aside from that challenging match had a rather comfortable ride to the semi-finals of the competition.

It is the second time in three World Cups that England have exited at the semi-final stage, while they have also been runners-up in each of the last two European Championships.

Tuchel appears primed to be the man to lead the Three Lions into Euro 2028, which will be played across the British Isles, offering England their best chance since 2020 of breaking their silverware drought.