England make 'controversial' Thomas Tuchel decision amid heavy criticism of Three Lions boss

England make Tuchel 'decision' amid heavy criticism of Three Lions boss

Thomas Tuchel reportedly still has the full support of the Football Association and will remain in charge of England for the European Championship in 2028.

England's 60-year wait for a major men's trophy has continued following their 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup on Wednesday.

Tuchel has faced huge criticism in the aftermath of the result, with the German's tactics and substitutions after England went 1-0 ahead under the microscope.

Anthony Gordon had given England the lead in the last-four clash, but the Three Lions sunk deeper and deeper under pressure from Argentina, and the South Americans went on to score twice in the latter stages to book their spot in the final.

Lionel Messi was front and centre for Argentina late on, with the legendary forward inspiring the world champions into another final.

According to ESPN, England want Tuchel to remain in charge for Euro 2028, with the FA still confident that the German can deliver success.

Tuchel 'set' to remain as England head coach

FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said in a statement: "It is heartbreaking to be so close.

"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."

England's 2026 World Cup is not yet over, with the Three Lions now set to take on France in the third-placed playoff on Saturday.

Tuchel has faced heavy criticism for his role in loss to Argentina

Tuchel has insisted that he has no plans to walk away from his job despite the widespread criticism that has come his way.

"First of all, the World Cup is not over," said the England boss. "There is still a match to play [Saturday's third-place play-off against France], that we are not looking forward so much to, but there is still a match to play.

"Then we keep on going. I have a contract until the home Euros and I'm looking forward to that even like now, it is difficult to look that far ahead."

England stars such as Harry Kane and Marc Guehi have seemingly criticised Tuchel's decision to retreat after the Three Lions had taken the lead.

The Three Lions will now be focusing on the contest with France, who saw their hopes of World Cup glory ended by Spain in the competition's first semi-final on Tuesday.


Vote in the Sports Mole World Cup 2026 Readers’ Awards!

Cast your votes for the 2026 World Cup awards; from player of the tournament and breakout star, to best attacker and biggest disappointment.

Voting will be open until 11pm UK time on Monday, July 20, and the winners announced on Tuesday, July 21!

Readers’ Awards

Sports Mole World Cup 2026

Vote for your winners across 9 categories — all optional
9 categories
Category 1 of 9

Player of the Tournament

Choose one — or skip to the next category
Category 2 of 9

Breakout Star of the Tournament

Choose one — or skip to the next category
Category 3 of 9

Manager of the Tournament

Choose one — or skip to the next category
Category 4 of 9

Biggest Overachiever

Choose one — or skip to the next category
Category 5 of 9

Biggest Disappointment

Choose one — or skip to the next category
Category 6 of 9

Goalkeeper of the Tournament

Choose one — or skip to the next category
Category 7 of 9

Defender of the Tournament

Choose one — or skip to the next category
Category 8 of 9

Midfielder of the Tournament

Choose one — or skip to the next category
Category 9 of 9 — Final category

Attacker of the Tournament

Choose one — then submit all your votes below
Thank you for voting!
Your votes have been recorded. Check back on Sports Mole soon to find out who our readers crowned the winners of the 2026 World Cup.
Sports Mole World Cup 2026 Readers’ Awards
Voting has closed
Thank you to everyone who took part in the Sports Mole World Cup 2026 Readers’ Awards. Results articles will be published on Tuesday, July 21.
Sports Mole World Cup 2026 Readers’ Awards
Sports Mole Readers’ Awards — World Cup 2026 sportsmole.co.uk
Author photo

Written by

Share this article:
Subscribe to our newsletter

Get FREE daily news and in-depth previews for games from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football — straight to your inbox.

Subscribe