Should England stick with Tuchel after Argentina capitulation?

Open menu

OneFootball's home page

Settings

Football Today

16 July 2026

England suffered a crushing 2-1 defeat against Argentina in the semi-final of the 2026 World Cup

. Thomas Tuchel’s negative tactics cost the

Three Lions

dearly.

England took the lead through Anthony Gordon, but goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez gave the South American giants the win on the night.

With Tuchel’s side leading, he made the mistake of trying to defend, giving up possession, but it proved fatal, as it handed La Albiceleste all the impetus.

The

recorded only

12% possession

between Gordon’s opener and Martinez’s winner (55th to 92nd minute).

Not only did Tuchel give up the ball, but he also cowered to a back five, bringing on Ezri Konsa, Dan Burn and Nico O’Reilly to defend for the final 20 minutes.

For someone who immediately criticised Gareth Southgate’s 2024 European Championship final tactics after taking the job, Tuchel went even more defensive than his English counterpart.

The former Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain boss came in to deliver a major title and failed at the first ask.

There will undoubtedly be questions about whether he should continue in his role following the

Argentina

capitulation.

However, calling for Tuchel’s head would be a knee-jerk reaction.

For all the frustration over the final half-hour, it is easy to forget that the opening 65 minutes were among England’s best performances against elite opposition in years.

His game plan nullified

for long spells. That tactical control is exactly why Tuchel has built a reputation as one of the world’s finest coaches.

His downfall was abandoning the approach that had worked so well.

The decision to retreat handed

the initiative, and world champions of that quality rarely need a second invitation.

One costly tactical error should not erase the progress

England

have made under Tuchel or the quality he has consistently shown throughout his managerial career.

Unless the Football Association can somehow persuade Pep Guardiola to take the job, there is no obvious upgrade available.

England have an exceptional young squad entering its prime, and continuity may prove more valuable than another managerial reset.

Tuchel should be trusted to learn from this painful lesson and be allowed to lead the

into Euro 2028.

‘Malvinas are Argentinian’: Victors celebrate with Falklands banner after England World Cup exit

The Independent

Harry Kane refuses to rule out another World Cup after England’s agonising Argentina defeat

England make decision on Thomas Tuchel future after Argentina defeat

Argentina face possiblity of getting fined by FIFA for their actions after England win

caughtoffside

Man City 2026 World Cup Watch: Lionel Messi and Argentina break England hearts with stunning late semi-final comeback

City Xtra

Predicting which clubs the summer's biggest free agents will sign for

There are still some massive names who are set to become free agents in the summer, with some high-profile deals due to expire at the end of next month.As speculation...

Tottenham: Why James Maddison was not awarded a penalty against Leeds as Premier League issue statement

Spurs midfielder denied a big moment on his return from injuryThe Premier League has explained why Tottenham were not awarded a penalty in their draw against Leeds.As the clock ticked...

Bento's howler delays CR7's first title in Saudi Arabia 😱

An ugly mistake by Brazilian goalkeeper Bento prevented Al-Nassr from winning the Saudi League title this Tuesday.Cristiano Ronaldo’s team was leading 1-0 until the 53rd minute of the second half,...