Thomas Tuchel highlights England's 'big problem' as future hint issued after Argentina defeat | OneFootball

Three Lions boss has come in for criticism after dramatic collapse in World Cup semi-final

Thomas Tuchel believes England’s footballing DNA needs to change if they are to get over the line in major tournaments, and insisted he is ‘100 per cent’ committed to helping them do so.

England fell foul of a dramatic late comeback as Argentina dumped them out in the World Cup semi-final on Wednesday. They took the lead through Anthony Gordon shortly after half-time but failed to capitalise on their advantage as Lionel Messi & Co battled back into the game.

Tuchel proceeded to make some confusing substitutions as a place in the World Cup final, which England has not graced since winning it in 1966, slipped through his fingers. He withdrew the goalscorer Gordon and Declan Rice, bringing on Dan Burn and Ezri Konsa in their stead. Nico O’Reilly also replaced an injured Reece James.

Argentina completed their turnaround through late goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez, and Tuchel has since come in for heavy criticism for his management of the match.

But speaking at full-time, he told reporters England’s capitulation came down more to mentality than his instructions.

“It has to be changed,” said Tuchel of England’s mentality. “But I’m not sure, I always try to think in football terms, in football matters.

Tuchel continued, insisting it was not his intention for England to drop into a desperate low block after going in front.

Staying put: Thomas Tuchel is committed to taking England to Euro 2028

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“We got too passive within our structure. I tried to help, not to become more passive with a back five but to be more active, to be quicker out to the wingers, not to open up the gaps between the back four.

“We encouraged everyone to step out, to be more active within the structure, but we just struggled. We couldn’t find any duels any more which was why we dropped deeper and deeper, which was never the plan but it happened.

“We needed to get back on the ball otherwise you cannot break the pressure and you cannot get the momentum back.

“I think ball possession plays a crucial role. It’s maybe not in our DNA like it is in the Spanish DNA or Argentinian or Brazilian DNA to take the ball, control the game and the ball, which is also a big problem.”

After falling short of his ultimate goal of winning the World Cup, Tuchel admitted he is looking forward to leading England into its next major tournament.

“Yes, 100 per cent. There is still enough to improve, and I am more than happy to do that,” he said, asked if he would remain in the dugout for Euro 2028.

“I’ve loved it. I loved every day. I said after the Norway game that I see a disconnect from what I see in training on a football level and within the games, I think we can impose ourselves more on the ball.

“I still think we can show how good football players we are. I think that is still in us, as I see it in training and in every camp.

“And here also at the World Cup. I still feel there is an extra level that we need to conquer and need to step up to the next level to get the big prize.”