Tuchel discusses FA talks after World Cup loss
Thomas Tuchel has revealed details of his post-World Cup discussions with the Football Association after joking that England chiefs “told him off” over his substitutions against Argentina, reports BritPanorama.
The Three Lions manager faced criticism after his side surrendered a late lead in their semi-final defeat, having switched to a more defensive system as pressure mounted. Argentina scored twice late on to end England’s hopes of a first World Cup triumph since 1966.
Following this disappointment, Tuchel reviewed the tournament with FA bosses but insisted he never feared for his job. “I got told off for the subs I made… just joking!” he stated when asked about those discussions.
Despite the outcome, the 53-year-old remains adamant that nobody can know whether alternative decisions would have produced a different result. “The decisions in the Argentina game, sometimes as a coach you can only win if you win,” he remarked, adding, “Who knows what would have happened. If we hadn’t made any subs what would have happened? Who knows.”
Tuchel expressed pride in the team he managed for seven weeks and defended every selection made during the competition. “I had not one sleepless night about our selection,” he asserted, emphasizing the strength of the FA’s support before the tournament, noting senior figures reassured him that his work would not be judged on one match.
While he acknowledged that the ultimate objective was left “unfulfilled,” Tuchel takes a pragmatic approach, stating, “Reflection is sometimes necessary to get better, and experience is a crucial part.” His contract runs through the upcoming Nations League, which he has made the defining objective of this cycle, although he does not view this as a complete reset. “I feel it’s not a new beginning — we build on a solid foundation – and the target is to win the home Euros,” Tuchel explained.
This determination signals both a continuation of England’s recent progress and a focus on tangible success in future competitions, illustrating how closely sport and national pride remain intertwined.
