Tuchel Vows to Stay and Find England’s ‘Extra Level’ After Argentina Heartbreak
Thomas Tuchel has declared he is “100%” committed to remaining as England manager and guiding the team towards glory at Euro 2028, despite intense scrutiny following Wednesday’s 2-1 World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina in Atlanta.
As reported by The Guardian, Tuchel faced immediate criticism for his tactical decisions late in the match, particularly his choice to introduce Ezri Konsa for Anthony Gordon on 72 minutes, switching to a back five with England leading 1-0. Rather than securing the lead, the change appeared to invite pressure, and Argentina scored twice in the closing stages — the winner arriving from Lautaro Martínez deep into stoppage time — to advance to Sunday’s final against Spain.
Tuchel pushed back on the notion that the formation shift was the root cause of the collapse. He pointed instead to England’s passivity after Gordon opened the scoring in the 55th minute, arguing the team failed to retain the ball and control the game. Between Gordon’s goal and Martínez’s winner, England managed just 12% of possession. “It’s maybe not in our DNA,” Tuchel said, echoing a familiar concern about the national side’s ability to dominate matches on the ball.
A key tactical moment came in the 64th minute when Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni introduced winger Nico González for defensive midfielder Leandro Paredes, shifting to a 4-2-4 shape. Scaloni doubled down in the 81st minute, withdrawing left-back Nico Tagliafico for striker Martínez — a gamble that ultimately paid off.
Despite the pain of the exit, the Football Association is standing firmly behind their manager. The FA acknowledged the difficulty of England’s draw, which included a group with Croatia and Ghana and a potential knockout path involving Mexico — in altitude — Brazil, Argentina and Spain or France. England also made 13 flights during the tournament, many amid intense heat. FA chief executive Mark Bullingham described it as “heartbreaking to be so close” and praised the efforts of players and staff throughout.
Tuchel, who extended his contract back in February to cover the Euro 2028 campaign, says he sees clear room for improvement and remains motivated. “I still feel there is an extra level that we need to conquer,” he said.
For England supporters, it is another painful near miss on the biggest stage. Whether Tuchel can unlock that next level before Euro 2028 — a tournament England will co-host — remains the central question. Keep up with all the fallout and knockout results at our World Cup 2026 hub and check the live standings as the final approaches.