England Fall Short of Tuchel’s Mandate in World Cup Semi-Final
Thomas Tuchel was hired to win the World Cup for England, stating that aim himself when he took charge of the Three Lions in January 2025. His brief was to make the difference in the biggest games and finally get the nation past the semi-finals and over the line in finals, the stage where England have fallen agonisingly short in recent years.
Argentina End the Dream in Wednesday’s Defeat
That breakthrough did not happen in Wednesday’s 2-1 defeat by Argentina. Tuchel got things wrong with the way England retreated after scoring, and his substitutions did not help as the team surrendered possession and freedom to Lionel Messi, who caused the damage expected of the little genius.
The loss denied England a first World Cup final in 60 years and was extremely frustrating to watch for Alan Shearer, who had felt the side had a genuine chance. Tuchel went very early with the defensive approach that had worked for him at this tournament, like playing with 10 men against Mexico or for the last few minutes against Norway, and that decision cost England a place in the final.
Tuchel’s Position and Contract
Tuchel’s original contract only lasted until this summer, but he signed a two-year extension in February. He is going to lead England into the 2028 European Championship, which the country will co-host.
Shearer argued that just because Tuchel did not deliver does not mean his time should be up. He believes the coach is experienced enough not to be fazed by the scrutiny the tournament failure will bring.
Tuchel said straight after losing the semi-final that he did not regret his approach. Shearer noted that everything is raw at the final whistle and would not read too much into those comments, expecting Tuchel to reflect properly in the days to come and be better judged when England’s next games show where he has learned and improved.
Positives From the Campaign
The way England’s run ended was desperately disappointing, yet there are positives to take. Shearer co-commentated on all their games and pointed to the last-16 win over Mexico at the Azteca Stadium as his most memorable moment, calling it the best game of the tournament and the best team performance he has seen from any England side in his lifetime away from home.
The players can be proud of their efforts after getting through tough situations, and when they fell short it was not for want of trying. Shearer described a togetherness and team spirit in that Mexico match that made him think anything was possible from this group.
Looking Ahead to Euro 2028
Tuchel is going to lead pretty much the same group into next year’s Euro qualifiers. Shearer would expect three or four changes because this squad lacked balance.
One concern is centre-forward, with Harry Kane turning 33 in a couple of weeks and no obvious strikers screaming to replace him. Shearer does not think the available players are far from what is needed.
Whatever happens in Saturday’s third-place play-off, which Shearer called a nonsense, England will end the World Cup looking back with frustration and ahead with the same hope. Much of Euro 2028 will be played on home soil.
England reached the final as hosts in 2021 and also reached the final two years ago. Tuchel should believe after those close runs, though the real certainty is only that England will be back to try again.