Patrick Vieira has publicly backed Thomas Tuchel to remain as England manager following the Three Lions' agonising 2-1 World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, arguing that stability is essential for the team's future success.
Tuchel Retains FA Support Despite Semi-Final Heartbreak
The German coach faced criticism for his cautious tactics after England surrendered a second-half lead, with Argentina scoring twice in the closing stages, including a dramatic injury-time winner from Lautaro Martinez. However, Tuchel is understood to retain the full confidence of the Football Association, including chief executive Mark Bullingham, and is expected to remain in charge for the upcoming Euro 2028 campaign.
Anthony Gordon had given England hope with a second-half strike, but Tuchel's defensive substitutions backfired as Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez and Martinez sealed a remarkable turnaround for the world champions. England's dreams of glory were dashed as Argentina booked their place in the final against Spain.
Vieira: Sacking Tuchel Would Be 'Mad'
Former Crystal Palace manager Vieira insisted it would be foolish to relieve Tuchel of his duties after just one major tournament. "I believe in stability," Vieira said on the Rest is Football podcast. "After you make a decision with Tuchel... I think it would be mad, for me, to sack him or to change the coach. I think that was his first big tournament and of course there are some positive and negative and the frustration is going to be there because you are out like that. But how can he build from that? I think he will learn a lot about the players because he lived with them, he saw the players in a good moment and a really difficult period."
Vieira added: "He will learn a lot about the group but you need to give him at least the Euros and to see how far they can go. With the way they competed in this World Cup, there is no doubt that the Euros. England are going to win it, not to go to the semi-final, they are to go to win it. I think it will be mad for the FA to change that."
Tuchel Confirms Commitment to Euro 2028
Tuchel, who signed a two-year contract extension in February securing his position until after Euro 2028, confirmed his commitment despite the disappointment. "We keep on going with the contract until the home Euros," Tuchel said. "I'm looking forward to that even though right now it's difficult to look that far ahead. A lot of big football nations are eliminated before the semi-final, so it is an achievement. No-one wants to hear that at the moment; me neither because we demand the most of ourselves. That's just the nature of being competitive."
England's World Cup Record Against Top Teams
England have now been knocked out every time they have encountered a top-10 ranked nation in the World Cup knockout rounds since 1998. The loss consigned them to the third-place play-off against France, scheduled for Saturday, 18th July at 10pm UK time. The final between Spain and Argentina takes place the following day at 8pm.
