Tuchel edges closer to England's World Cup target

ATLANTA: Thomas Tuchel is two matches away from delivering the goal he was hired to achieve after taking England into the World Cup semi-finals, where they will face Lionel Messi's Argentina.

The German was appointed as England head coach with a clear task to win the 2026 World Cup, and his side has so far stayed on course. Tuchel has presided over what has largely been described as a positive camp, including celebrations with players in the dressing room in Mexico City after England's hard-fought win over co-hosts Mexico.

His mood, however, shifted after Saturday's 2-1 quarter-final win over Norway. Despite reaching the last four, Tuchel was openly critical of his team's display.

“The result is fantastic. The last four is amazing, but I’m not happy with the performance,” he said.

That assessment prompted a sharp response from midfielder Jude Bellingham, who scored both goals as England recovered from behind after 120 minutes in the intense Miami heat.

“Whatever, whatever,” said the Real Madrid midfielder after a gruelling 120 minutes in the searing Miami heat.

The exchange underlined Tuchel's willingness to speak plainly even when it risks friction with key players. Bellingham, who has six goals in the tournament, again delivered in a decisive moment for England.

Different style after Southgate

The Football Association turned to Tuchel in 2024 after Gareth Southgate's tenure. Southgate had rebuilt the side, easing club rivalries and creating a united squad, but England fell short of major tournament success, losing in World Cup semi-finals and quarter-finals and twice being beaten in European Championship finals.

Tuchel arrived with a record that included league titles with Paris St-Germain and Bayern Munich, as well as Chelsea's Champions League triumph in 2021 in Porto, where his team defeated Pep Guardiola's Manchester City. His appointment brought in a coach known for directness and strong personality.

For this World Cup, Tuchel selected what he called a team of specialists and left out several prominent names, including Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold. He said he enjoyed the pressure that came with making major selection calls, and England's progress has so far supported those decisions.

Big calls have paid off

England began the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States among the favourites. In the last 32, substitute Anthony Gordon created both goals for Harry Kane as England came from behind to avoid defeat against DR Congo. In the next round, Tuchel sent on several defenders as his 10-man side held on for a 3-2 victory at the Estadio Azteca.

One defining image from that match was defender Dan Burn repeatedly clearing danger as England protected their lead, reflecting Tuchel's emphasis on what he has described as a brotherhood within the squad.

Tuchel took up his first international coaching role in January 2025 on an 18-month contract. At the start of his spell, he said he wanted to add a second star to England's shirt, alongside the one marking the country's only World Cup title in 1966. He later agreed a new contract that will keep him in charge through Euro 2028 in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

England have not consistently produced their best football during this World Cup, but they have continued to advance and have made it clear that their aim is to win the tournament. Their next assignment is a semi-final against an experienced Argentina side on Wednesday, with France or Spain awaiting in the final if they progress.