Thomas Tuchel retains FA’s backing despite heavy criticism after England’s World Cup exit

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The Independent

16 July 2026

Under-fire

Thomas Tuchel

retains the

Football Association

’s backing after England’s disappointing

World Cup

semi-final loss to

Argentina

and

looks set to stay on as manager for Euro 2028.

The 52-year-old former Chelsea boss was named Sir Gareth Southgate’s successor in November 2024 and led the back-to-back European Championship finalists to the last four in North America.

Anthony Gordon’s strike had

England

on the cusp of a first men’s

final since 1966, only for

Tuchel’s defence-minded alterations to invite Argentina

on as the Atlanta semi-final ended in a late 2-1 loss.

The German coach’s negative decision making has put him under intense scrutiny, but the

Press Association

understands he maintains the

’s support.

Tuchel’s initial deal had only covered this

but in February he signed an extension until 2028, when he fully intends to lead

into the home Euros.

Speaking after the

loss, the head coach said: “I have a contract until the home Euros and I’m looking forward to that even like now it is difficult to look that far ahead.”

England flew back to their Kansas City base after Wednesday’s agonising loss in Georgia, where FA chief executive

Mark Bullingham

praised Tuchel.

“It is heartbreaking to be so close,” he said. “The players and Thomas gave it everything today and the squad, coaches and staff could not have worked harder during the tournament.

“I would like to thank them all – and also give my heartfelt thanks to our wonderful fans here in the USA and at home. We felt your support every step of the way and we are all so disappointed not to go further.”

England’s defensive substitutions have been questioned (Getty)

England cannot pack their bags for home just yet as the team must return to Miami a week on from winning their quarter-final against Norway at the Hard Rock Stadium.

A third-place play-off against France awaits and Saturday’s encounter will be a drag for all involved.

“A lot of lot of big, big, big football nations are eliminated before the semi-final, so, yeah, it is an achievement,” Tuchel said of making the final four.

“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.

“The nature of being so competitive (means) also puts the next game into perspective.

“Nobody of these (England) players, nobody of French players wants to play this match. They want to play in the final. We gave everything to be in the final.

“Everyone plays to win the

, but it is what it is. We have for a day less and to recover, but we will do it professionally, of course.

“I didn’t say a lot (to the players afterwards). Nothing what you say in the dressing room can take away the pain or the disappointment, of course.

“We all know these moments, so I said let’s take it with respect, let’s digest it first. Accept that we gave everything. That is a big part in a defeat.

“Did we do everything to arrive in this semi-final? Did we give everything? 100 per cent we did, and I think the fans will realise that and do realise that.

“The second of all is to bounce back, to react. That’s what you have to do on highest level in sports. It’s what is demanded and what we will do.”

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