Graeme Souness has warned England to 'watch your language' when describing their players as world class, defending Thomas Tuchel amid reports of a dressing room 'mutiny' following the World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina. The Scotland and Rangers legend insists the German manager is not solely to blame for England's failings, pointing instead to a lack of genuine world-class talent in the squad.
Souness Shifts Blame to Players
Writing in his Telegraph column, Souness stated: 'When it came down to it, there was one inescapable fact about England’s elimination from the World Cup: the players were not good enough. It is that simple.' He rejected the notion that Tuchel's tactics were the primary cause, noting that England's approach against Argentina was consistent with their performances against Mexico and Norway.
England took the lead in the semi-final but then retreated, allowing Argentina to fight back and win 2-1. Critics, including some within the England dressing room, have blamed Tuchel's defensive approach. However, Souness argues that the players failed to step up when it mattered most.
Questioning the 'World Class' Label
Souness specifically targeted the overuse of the term 'world class' in English football. 'During a Premier League campaign, I hear on a weekly basis that someone is world class because they make a good pass or they have become a legend after winning one trophy or accumulating 200 appearances by the age of 24. Please stop this terminology,' he wrote.
He highlighted Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson as examples. 'I’m sure Rice is a good lad and I hear good things about his character, but he isn’t helped when he’s constantly called world class,' Souness said. 'He takes an excellent set-piece and his athleticism is to be admired, but do you ever see him dictate the tempo of a match in the way that Rodri will attempt to do for Spain when they face Argentina on Sunday in New Jersey? The blunt answer is no. He doesn’t have cute, clever balls in his armoury.'
Regarding Anderson, who recently joined Manchester City for £116 million, Souness added: 'Anderson is a young boy and, again, I see no fault in his attitude. But there are limitations to what he can do. I know people will argue back and say Manchester City have just paid £116m for him, but I would counter that and say City don’t always get things right.'
England's World Cup Performance
England's campaign included moments of quality against Croatia, DR Congo, Mexico, and Norway, but Souness argues they failed to raise their level against top opposition. 'Other than 15 minutes against a Croatia team who had seen better days, England’s football was a difficult watch,' he wrote. 'When they had to go up a level against Argentina, they couldn’t do it. World class stood in front of them in a navy-blue kit.'
Harry Kane remains England's standout player, but Souness questions whether any other English player deserves the world-class tag. He compared Argentina's legacy of producing legends like Alfredo Di Stéfano, Diego Maradona, and Lionel Messi, urging England to keep their language in check. 'Argentina has produced the greatest footballers in history... They are the definition of world class. When you think of them, it should keep your language in check,' he concluded.
Tuchel, speaking ahead of the third-place playoff with France, defended his tactics and said he had no regrets. Souness's comments add to the debate over England's underperformance, with the former midfielder insisting that the players, not the manager, must take responsibility.
