The devastating late collapse that cost England a World Cup final place has left Thomas Tuchel defiant, insisting he is “100%” committed to leading the team at Euro 2028. Argentina scored twice in the final quarter of Wednesday’s semi-final in Atlanta to win 2-1 after Tuchel’s switch to a back five at 1-0 up unravelled. The manager maintains the system was not the problem, rather the passivity of his players after Anthony Gordon’s 55th-minute opener. “I still feel there is an extra level that we need to conquer,” Tuchel said. “We need to step up to the next level to get the big prize.”
The defeat added to a catalogue of disappointment now stretching to 60 years, with successive Euro final losses and the 2018 semi-final defeat by Croatia. England’s campaign relied heavily on Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, who scored 12 of the team’s 14 goals – six each. Marcus Rashford and Gordon contributed the other two. Tuchel was hampered by illness and injuries to Arsenal duo Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka. John Stones remains a class act but is now 32, while elsewhere England are solid but lack the depth of Spain, France or Argentina.
“Tuchel says he is '100%' committed to England after World Cup semi-final collapse, insists 'extra level' needed.”
Despite the pain, the Football Association backs Tuchel, who signed a contract extension in February. The FA noted the tough draw – a group with Croatia and Ghana, and a potential knockout path through Mexico in altitude, Brazil, Argentina and Spain. In the event, Norway replaced Brazil in the quarter-final. “There is still enough to improve and I am more than happy to do that,” Tuchel said. “I’ve loved every day of the World Cup.”
Meanwhile, FIFA issued a statement after Argentina players held a Falkland Islands banner during post-match celebrations. Tuchel has rejected reports he told his players to hold on after Gordon’s goal; he wanted them to “play higher”. England face France in Saturday’s third-place play-off in Miami, while Spain meet Argentina in Sunday’s final in New Jersey, with US President Donald Trump confirmed to attend. Bellingham posted a poem by team driver Michael Chandler, and Kane has spoken on his future. The questions of quality and mentality, however, remain unanswered.
