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Thomas Tuchel has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to continue leading England, despite the disappointment of their World Cup semi-final defeat. The German strategist insists he remains the right man to take the Three Lions forward into Euro 2028 on home soil and has identified a “major problem” that must be addressed to finally end the nation’s long wait for silverware.

Tuchel focused on Euro 2028 success

Following England’s agonising 2-1 loss to Argentina on Wednesday night, questions were inevitably raised about his future as head coach. However, Tuchel, who secured a contract extension in February covering the next two years, has made it clear that he intends to see through his project until the next European Championship. England will aim to capture the continental title for the first time, having finished runners-up in the past two editions.

Asked whether he still has the drive to lead England into Euro 2028, Tuchel gave a firm response. “100 per cent,” the former Chelsea manager told reporters. “There is still plenty to improve, and I’m more than happy to take that on.” Despite England surrendering a 1-0 advantage against Argentina in the final minutes, the Football Association remains fully supportive of Tuchel ahead of the third-place playoff against France. FA chief executive Mark Bullingham confirmed that “Thomas and the coaching team will lift the players for that game and then take charge of our journey towards qualification for our home Euros in 2028.”

Addressing tactical inconsistency

While Tuchel expressed pride in his squad’s efforts, he also acknowledged a persistent issue that has hampered England’s performances on the biggest stage. He highlighted a gap between the technical quality displayed in training sessions and what is produced during pressure-filled knockout matches. This inconsistency was particularly noticeable after England’s narrow 2-1 World Cup victory over Norway, a match Tuchel described as “sloppy” and “lucky”.

“After the Norway match, I said I noticed a disconnect between what I see in training and what happens in matches,” Tuchel explained. “We can be more dominant with the ball. I still believe we can show just how talented we are as footballers. I see it in training and in every camp. Even here at the World Cup, I feel there’s another level we must reach if we want to claim the big prize.”

Fixing England’s football DNA

One of Tuchel’s main concerns is England’s ability to maintain possession and control the tempo once opponents start applying pressure. After Anthony Gordon’s 55th-minute goal against Argentina, the Three Lions gradually lost control of the contest — a pattern Tuchel believes stems from the nation’s footballing culture.

“I think ball possession is a key factor,” Tuchel observed. “It might not be part of our DNA the way it is for Spain, Argentina, or Brazil — the instinct to take control of the game through the ball. That’s a big issue.” When asked if England’s tendency to defend leads in major games is a psychological barrier, he responded firmly: “If that’s the case, then it must be changed.”

‘I enjoyed every single day’

England will face France in Sunday’s third-place playoff, seeking to end their losing streak in this fixture after defeats in 1990 and 2018. Despite missing out on the final, Tuchel said he has “loved every day” of the campaign and remains proud of his players, many of whom have endured multiple semi-final heartbreaks.

“I’m very proud of them and enjoyed every single day,” Tuchel concluded. “And I loved every minute of the first 55 against Argentina. We were there, ready to go for it, trying to take the game to them. But we just couldn’t manage the shift in momentum.”