England make Thomas Tuchel sack decision after World Cup exit

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Evening Standard

16 July 2026

Three Lions boss has been blamed by many for semi-final exit

Thomas Tuchel

will not be sacked following

England

’s

World Cup

exit.

The manager’s tactics during the 2-1 loss to

Argentina

in Wednesday’s semi-final have faced intense criticism.

Anthony Gordon put

into the lead early in the second half - as

looked to reach a first men’s

final since 1966 - but Tuchel’s defensive substitutions saw

build momentum as they score two late goals to break English hearts.

But Standard Sport understands that Tuchel is expected to stay on as

head coach.

Tuchel retains the backing of the Football Association, and is expected see his contract through to Euro 2028.

The FA handed Tuchel a contract extension ahead of the

to cover the upcoming European Championships, which is being hosted on home soil by

, Wales, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.

However, the deal is said to include performance-related clauses that could reduce compensation if targets are not met.

England flew back to their Kansas City base after Wednesday’s agonising loss in Georgia, where FA chief executive Mark Bullingham praised Tuchel.

“It is heartbreaking to be so close,” he said. “The players and Thomas gave it everything today and the squad, coaches and staff could not have worked harder during the tournament.

“I would like to thank them all – and also give my heartfelt thanks to our wonderful fans here in the USA and at home. We felt your support every step of the way and we are all so disappointed not to go further.”

Did we give everything? 100 per cent we did, and I think the fans will realise that and do realise that

England still have one further game to play at the tournament, as they take on France in Miami on Saturday for a third-place play-off.

“Nobody of these [England] players, nobody of French players wants to play this match,” Tuchel said. “They want to play in the final. We gave everything to be in the final.

“Everyone plays to win the

, but it is what it is. We have for a day less and to recover, but we will do it professionally, of course.

“I didn’t say a lot [to the players afterwards]. Nothing what you say in the dressing room can take away the pain or the disappointment, of course.

“We all know these moments, so I said let’s take it with respect, let’s digest it first. Accept that we gave everything. That is a big part in a defeat.

“Did we give everything? 100 per cent we did, and I think the fans will realise that and do realise that.

“The second of all is to bounce back, to react. That’s what you have to do on highest level in sports. It’s what is demanded and what we will do.”

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