Can Thomas Tuchel’s England win Euro 2028? | OneFootball

Thomas Tuchel’s future at the helm of England emerged as one of the major talking points after a heartbreaking defeat to Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final.

Appointed in October 2024 with one single purpose – to win the World Cup – Tuchel did everything right in the qualifying cycle, with the Three Lions winning all eight matches by an aggregate score of 22-0.

Despite failing to hit the same heights in the group stage, the 1966 winners progressed to the knockout rounds, where they overcame DR Congo, Mexico and Norway before Argentina stopped them in their tracks.

What’s worse, England felt like they had their fate firmly in their own hands after Anthony Gordon broke the deadlock, only for Tuchel’s unfathomable tactical retreat to undo all of their hard work.

The 52-year-old had no one but himself to blame for the Three Lions’ stomach-wrenching loss in Atlanta, with his inexplicable decision causing widespread consternation back home.

However, the Football Association and Tuchel himself have already decided to continue together, even though Pep Guardiola, who had reportedly reached a verbal agreement with England before the German’s appointment, is now available.

What’s next?

Securing a podium finish in Saturday’s third-place play-off against France would soften the blow and go some way towards restoring belief in Tuchel’s long-term project.

After all, it would be England’s best World Cup finish since lifting the crown in 1966.

From a morale standpoint, ending the tournament on a winning note could prove invaluable as the Three Lions begin building towards the 2028 European Championship.

As one of the co-hosts of Euro 2028, England will carry enormous expectations and face unprecedented pressure, leaving Tuchel with little margin for error over the next two years.

Speaking of expectations, Tuchel’s predecessor, Gareth Southgate, set a high standard, but even back-to-back Euros final appearances were not enough to satisfy the nation’s appetite for a trophy.

The inability to get over the finish line proved Southgate’s undoing.

Meanwhile, the FA saw Tuchel as an immediate upgrade, someone capable of fulfilling this team’s potential, which begs the question: can he go one better and steer England to their maiden continental triumph?

Various factors will shape the answer, but one thing is certain – Tuchel’s legacy will ultimately be judged by whether he succeeds where Southgate fell short.

Next chapter

Harry Kane is obviously the focal point of this discussion.

If England couldn’t end their long-standing drought with Kane in his prime, can they realistically expect him to carry the same burden at 34?

England’s all-time leading scorer has been the cornerstone of this team’s progress over the past decade, yet there will inevitably come a point when the Three Lions must prepare for life without him.

One of Tuchel’s first assignments after the World Cup will be to lay the foundations for England’s post-Kane era, a challenge that may ultimately define his tenure.

Luckily for the former Chelsea manager, this team’s potential is bursting at the seams. Alongside France and Spain, the Three Lions boast one of the most formidable squads in European football.

From Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham to Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer, who somehow had no place in Tuchel’s World Cup squad, England have no shortage of elite talent waiting to take the torch from the Bayern Munich striker.

The quality is there. The desire is overwhelming. The pressure is immense. And it’s entirely up to Tuchel to solve this puzzle.

When there’s a will, there’s always a way, and based on Tuchel’s reaction to England’s World Cup heartbreak, he looks ready to move mountains in pursuit of what would be a career-defining achievement.