British media turn on Tuchel after England’s World Cup semi-final defeat

ATLANTA: Thomas Tuchel has come under sharp criticism from sections of the British media after England’s 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the World Cup semi-final on Wednesday, with several newspapers blaming the coach’s defensive approach and late tactical changes for the collapse.

England had taken the lead early in the second half through Anthony Gordon, but Argentina scored twice in the closing minutes to reach the final. Tuchel had earlier criticised his players for being too passive in the defeat, but much of the reaction in Britain focused instead on his own decisions from the touchline.

British tabloid coverage reflected the anger of disappointed supporters. The Sun summed up that mood with the headlines Lost his Tuch? and Thomas tanked it. Tuchel was criticised in particular for sending on Dan Burn and Ezri Konsa as England shifted to a five-man defence in an effort to protect their advantage.

The defeat prompted comparisons with previous major tournament setbacks in which England failed to hold onto a lead, including the 2018 World Cup semi-final against Croatia and the Covid-delayed Euro 2020 final against Italy.

Newspapers question tactical approach

The Daily Mail said Tuchel had repeated the same kind of caution that his predecessor Gareth Southgate was often criticised for, despite being appointed to address those shortcomings.

The paper wrote:

"Thomas Tuchel's changes cost England against Argentina -- they were out of ideas and doomed to lose from that moment. It was a return to the bad habits Gareth Southgate was criticisedfor"

The Times columnist Martin Samuel also argued that Tuchel had fallen into the same pattern as other England managers who failed to take a bolder approach in big matches.

Samuel wrote "The England head coach was supposed to cure the team's fear but managers are pragmatists".

He added "Anyone who doesn't jump is an Englishman, the Argentinians sing. And anyone who knows how to hold a lead in a World Cup semi-final is definitely not".

Continuing his criticism, Samuel wrote "The disease remains and is as contagious as ever. Different group, fancy new boss, same dispiriting outcome".

Tuchel’s earlier comments after England’s Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain were also cited in the backlash. In March, he had said of the team "They were afraid to drop out of the tournament, in my observation, than having the excitement and hunger to win it."

Referring to that remark, Samuel wrote "Not as easy as it looks, this international management lark."

Pressure builds but no immediate expectation of exit

Despite the intensity of the criticism, Tuchel is expected to remain in charge. The 52-year-old former Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain coach is under contract until Euro 2028.

The Mirror reported that he was set to stay as England manager despite what it described as a cowardly defeat. That wording echoed criticism from Spain’s 2010 World Cup-winning goalkeeper Iker Casillas, who took issue with England’s tactics after going ahead.

Casillas posted on X "They (England) score the goal and drop back. A cowardly approach.".