Thomas Tuchel retains the full backing of the Football Association despite growing the intense criticism of his tactical approach in England’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina.
While England’s campaign ultimately ended in disappointment, there is no appetite within the FA to make a managerial change after just one tournament. Senior figures remain convinced Tuchel is the right coach to lead England into Euro 2028, even though his biggest match in charge exposed flaws that have prompted significant scrutiny.
The 2-1 defeat was viewed by many as one of Tuchel’s poorest performances on the touchline since taking over. His decision to sit back after England had taken the lead and invite Argentina and Lionel Messi persist with a cautious shape handed Argentina control of midfield for long periods, while England struggled on to them ultimately cost his side the chance to appear in a World Cup final.
By the time Tuchel altered the system and introduced fresh attacking options, England the match was effectively lost.
Those tactical decisions have not altered the FA’s long-term thinking. Officials remain conscious that Tuchel inherited a talented but evolving squad and still guided England to the semi-finals of his first major tournament. Internally there is recognition that one disappointing evening should not outweigh the progress made over the previous month.
The FA are also understood to value Tuchel’s attention to detail, training standards and willingness to make difficult decisions, believing those qualities will serve England well over the remainder of his contract.
That does not mean the semi-final will simply be forgotten. A comprehensive review of the campaign is expected, with Tuchel likely to examine whether his approach against elite opposition was overly cautious. The inability to seize the initiative against Argentina has become the defining criticism of England’s exit and will form a key part of post-tournament analysis.
For now, however, the message from the FA is clear. The tactical mistakes against Argentina are recognised, but they are viewed as errors to learn from rather than reasons to abandon the Tuchel project after a single tournament.
Tuchel, though, needs to admit, if only to himself, that he got it all wrong.
