Thomas Tuchel retains FA backing despite England's World Cup exit - sources

Thomas Tuchel retains FA backing despite England's World Cup exit - sources

England head coach Thomas Tuchel retains the full backing of the Football Association and is expected to lead the team into Euro 2028, despite a semi-final defeat to Argentina that ended the team's hopes of a first World Cup final appearance since 1966.

The 52-year-old former Chelsea manager, who was appointed in January 2025, saw his side fall to a 2-1 loss on Wednesday in Atlanta. England had been on the verge of the final after Anthony Gordon scored in the 55th minute, finishing a cross from Morgan Rogers. However, Enzo Fernández equalized in the 85th minute, and Lautaro Martínez scored a header in the second minute of stoppage time to secure the victory for the reigning world champions.

The result has sparked intense scrutiny of Tuchel's tactical decisions. Critics and reports suggest the team became passive and crumbled after taking the lead, with Tuchel's defense-minded substitutions accused of inviting sustained pressure from Argentina. While some, including Rooney, suggested England would have lost belief following those second-half changes, those within the England camp believe Tuchel was hampered by misfortune rather than poor planning.

Despite the public criticism, sources told ESPN and the Mirror that the FA is choosing stability over a managerial reset. Tuchel is already under contract through 2028, having signed a two-year extension in February. This deal, which includes performance-related clauses that could reduce compensation if targets are missed, ensures he will lead the squad into the European Championship hosted by England, Wales, Scotland, and the Republic of Ireland.

FA chief executive Mark Bullingham expressed confidence in the German coach, noting that the governing body is happy with the professional environment and the work being done behind the scenes.

"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."

Mark Bullingham, FA chief executive, via bbc.com

Bullingham further explained to reporters that the FA conducts a full review after every tournament to analyze the mood in the camp and the overall package. He stated, We have a manager who we think is doing a really good job, and confirmed that the FA remains committed to Tuchel through 2028.

Tuchel defended his record, noting that reaching the final four is an achievement as many big football nations are eliminated before the semi-finals. However, he acknowledged the pain of the defeat.

"No-one wants to hear that at the moment; me neither because we demand the most of ourselves. That's just the nature of being competitive."

Thomas Tuchel, England head coach, via bbc.com

The coach emphasized that the squad gave 100 per cent to arrive in the semi-final and that the priority now is to bounce back professionally. He admitted that while he is looking forward to the home Euros, it is currently difficult to look that far ahead.

England's World Cup campaign is not yet finished. After flying back to their base in Kansas City, the team must return to Miami for a third-place play-off against France on Saturday at 22:00 BST. A victory in this match would represent England's best performance in a men's World Cup since 1966. Tuchel described the upcoming encounter as a match the players are not looking forward so much to, as both teams would have preferred to play in the final.

Argentina will advance to the final on Sunday to face Spain. Meanwhile, reports indicate Argentina may face fines from FIFA for their actions following the semi-final.