Gary Neville has spoken out against Thomas Tuchel's remarks about English football's 'DNA' following England's 2-1 loss to Argentina in the World Cup semi-final in Atlanta. The former Manchester United defender believes Tuchel will regret his tactical decisions after Anthony Gordon's goal put England ahead.
Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Neville said: "I did think that he'll [Tuchel] look back and think, 'Did I send the right message to the players after the goal went in?', putting three defensive players on before he brings on an attacker." He added: "I think he gave the players a message to hang on, and they were dropping deeper in the box, and he didn't really help them get out with the substitutes he put on."
Tuchel's 'DNA' Comments Spark Debate
Tuchel had said after the match: "It's maybe not in our DNA like it is in the Spanish DNA, or the Argentinian or Brazilian DNA, to take the ball and control the game." Neville strongly disagreed with this assessment, pointing out that Tuchel had left technically gifted players at home, including Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Adam Wharton, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
"He didn't bring Kobbie Mainoo on, who could handle the ball better than most. He didn't bring Bukayo Saka on, who could probably handle the ball better than most," Neville argued. He further stated: "Thomas Tuchel is German, he's not supposed to bring the English mentality, he's supposed to bring the German mentality of winning."
Neville Defends Tuchel Against Sack Calls
Despite his criticism, Neville rejected calls for Tuchel to be sacked, saying: "The main comment I've seen today, other than people saying he should be sacked, that he bottled it, which I think is going too far, is that this guy was brought in with a German mentality, to bring us the steel and the coldness and the ruthlessness in the big moments."
England's defeat means they have now lost in the semi-finals of consecutive World Cups, with Tuchel's future now under scrutiny. The Three Lions boss has faced criticism for his defensive approach after taking the lead, with many questioning his substitutions.
