Tuchel retains FA backing despite England defeat

England head coach Thomas Tuchel retains the backing of the Football Association and is expected to lead the team into Euro 2028.

A 2-1 defeat by Argentina on Wednesday meant England’s men missed out on a first World Cup final appearance since 1966.

Tuchel was criticised for his substitutions as England squandered a 1-0 lead late on, but says he intends to stay – a decision which has the full backing of FA chief executive Mark Bullingham.

“We keep on going with the contract until the home Euros,” said Tuchel.

“I’m looking forward to that even though right now it’s difficult to look that far ahead.

“A lot of big football nations are eliminated before the semi-final, so it is an achievement.

“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.”

Tuchel signed a two-year contract extension in February having been appointed in January 2025 on an 18-month mission to win the World Cup.

The 2028 European Championship is being hosted by England, Wales, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.

England will face France in the bronze-medal match on Saturday (22:00 BST) – and victory would mean this is their best performance in a men’s World Cup since 1966.

“It is heartbreaking to be so close,” said Bullingham.

“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.”

Despite the disappointment of losing in the semi-final, England’s progress will be viewed internally as a relative success.

𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗖𝘂𝗽: 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗙𝗔 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸𝘀 𝗧𝘂𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗹  𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗺𝗶-𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘀 The English FA reaffirms  support for head coach Thomas Tuchel after England's World Cup semi-final  defeat, backing him through Euro 2028. Read more

Thomas Tuchel accepts responsibility after substitutions backfire in  England defeat | World Cup 2026 | The Guardian

Kesh Awefada

Kesh Awefada

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