The Football Association has been urged to dismiss Thomas Tuchel following England's devastating World Cup defeat to Argentina, with a poll revealing 67% of Express Sport readers calling for his removal. The 52-year-old German manager faced intense criticism after his defensive tactics backfired, allowing Argentina to overturn a 1-0 lead with two late goals.
How England Lost the Lead
England took the lead in the second half through Anthony Gordon, but Tuchel's subsequent decision to adopt a defensive approach proved costly. The team shifted to a 5-4-1 formation, deploying six defenders and moving Nico O'Reilly into central midfield. This passive strategy allowed Argentina to dominate possession, with Lionel Messi exploiting the space to create goals for Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez in quick succession.
"It was never the plan, but it happened," Tuchel said after the match. "We couldn't stop the runners from the second line, the midfielders, through our gaps, and the deliveries were on the highest level." He added, "It's maybe not in our DNA, like it is in our Spanish DNA or in our Argentinian or Brazilian DNA, to take the ball and control the game with the ball."
Fan and Reader Reaction
Express Sport's poll of readers showed that two-thirds want Tuchel sacked, while 33% are content for him to remain. The backlash follows a defensive collapse that saw England barely leave their own half in the closing stages. According to The Times, the FA has launched an investigation into the manner of England's World Cup exit, with Tuchel's performance under scrutiny. Insiders, however, suggest sympathy for his claim that he did not instruct players to abandon attacking play.
Tuchel's Contract and Future
Tuchel is contracted until Euro 2028, earning approximately £5 million per year. Despite the calls for his dismissal, he has insisted he will see out his contract. "We keep on going with the contract until the home Euros," he stated. "I'm looking forward to that, even though right now it's difficult to look that far ahead."
