How the FA feel about potentially sacking Thomas Tuchel | OneFootball

England's elimination from the World Cup has fuelled speculation over Thomas Tuchel's future

England suffered a 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals on Wednesday evening.

Anthony Gordon put Thomas Tuchel’s side ahead early in the second half, but goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez turned things around in the closing stages.

England have not reached a World Cup final since 1966, and this is their third elimination at the semi-final stages since then.

Their last semi-final appearance came in 2018 when Gareth Southgate’s team similarly led 1-0 but lost 2-1, with Croatia reaching the final at their expense.

Tuchel was brought in to replace Southgate following his exit in the aftermath of England’s 2-1 defeat to Spain at the Euro 2024 final.

The German took on his first international role following a club career that included Champions League success at Chelsea, as well as high-profile stints at Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich.

How the FA feels about Thomas Tuchel’s future

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It has been reported by ESPN that the Football Association are keen for Tuchel to remain in charge despite England’s elimination from the World Cup.

The 52-year-old received a lot of criticism in the immediate aftermath of the defeat due to his defensive substitutions after England raced into the lead through Gordon's strike, but he is set to remain in charge going into the Nations League in September.

The German coach has a contract that runs until the end of the 2028 European Championship, which will be hosted in England, as well as Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

But first the Three Lions must navigate their Nations League campaign, with the nation in League A, Group 3, where they will face Spain, Croatia and the Czech Republic.

How England fans feel about Thomas Tuchel’s future

Tuchel’s decision to bring on Ezri Konsa for Anthony Gordon saw England concede territory to Argentina almost completely with half an hour still to play in the semi-final.

This move, along with the subs of Dan Burn and Nico O’Reilly, have seen the England head coach receive a lot of criticism from fans, who feel he cannot continue in the role.

Tuchel has also received criticism for his overall squad selection, with his 26-man team raising a lot of questions pre-tournament.

Many supporters have lost faith in the 52-year-old, who believe that he lacks the inspiration needed to get England over the line at a major tournament.

All in all, the manner of the defeat to Argentina has led to a lot of fans claiming that Tuchel cannot go on as manager any longer.

England will face France in the third place play-off on Saturday in a 10pm kick-off, UK time.

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Thomas Tuchel will have to ride the backlash to remain England manager

The pressure on the England manager is always immense because expectations are so high, but the manner of their collapse on Wednesday has led to a lot of deserved criticism.

If Tuchel can ride out the wave of this backlash, then perhaps fans will be ready to get behind him again when the Nations League starts in September.

But the next couple of weeks will see a lot of fans demanding answers, and potentially calling for him to leave his position.

Given England will be hosting Euro 2028, the FA will surely want someone that the fans are behind for such a major occasion for the team, which could prompt a change sooner rather than later.