How England made a big mistake with decision on Tuchel's future

Wednesday's 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals has left the nation heartbroken, and even after a night's sleep, it still feels raw. 

Coupled with this heartbreak is a feeling of frustration; England had been stung once more by a tactical decision which has plagued them in previous high-stakes matches, and that was not pressing on after taking the lead. 

This was seen as Gareth Southgate's biggest flaw, and the main reasoning to hire Thomas Tuchel in his place was to utilise his superior tactical knowledge to get England over the line and end what is feeling like endless years of hurt. 

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However, Tuchel 'did a Southgate', opting for defence over attack despite being in a strong position against Argentina, and he was punished. 

Tuchel was supposed to usher in a new tactical mindset, but if he will be using tactics similar to that of Southgate, then is he really the manager England needs?

England's big mistake with Tuchel's future

When Tuchel was announced as England manager in October 2024, his contract was set to run until the end of the 2026 World Cup. 

This felt logical. It's no secret the FA are hoping to bring in Pep Guardiola, and perhaps they were thinking the conclusion of this year's World Cup would be the perfect time to acquire his signature. 

A flawless qualifying campaign and good harmony amongst the squad saw the FA jump the gun, and in the build-up to the World Cup, reward Tuchel with a contract extension until the end of the European Championship in 2028. 

This felt like a logical decision. The FA have seen what stability can do for a team that is reaching semi-finals and finals on a regular basis. Plus, with it being a 'Home' Euros, it feels like a natural end to England's Tuchel era. 

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It's no surprise that many are calling for Tuchel to be sacked following the defeat to Argentina, but The FA has clarified its stance and is backing Tuchel to turn things around. 

It was reported that Tuchel's contract did have a break clause, so the FA could decide to relieve the German of his duties, but if they do that, then it is back to square one and England could be in danger of descending into the chaos which engulfed the Three Lions before Southgate's revival. 

Should Tuchel stay as England manager?

The FA are damned if they do, damned if they don't when it comes to whether they think Tuchel is the right answer as England manager.

While there has been no knee-jerk reaction, minds could still be changed, but Tuchel now has to back-up the 'elite coach' tag he has been given. 

A clip which is once again doing the rounds on social media is where he questioned England's players for their mentality during major finals, and this time around, instead of praise for his words, Tuchel is being mocked. 

Once England begin a new tournament cycle in September with the Nations League opener against Spain, Tuchel will still be fielding questions about this defeat to Argentina, and maybe, if the atmosphere around the FA and the England team becomes toxic as a result, he could walk away. 

If this does happen, the FA will be left scrambling, and that contract extension will be seen as a huge mistake by English football's governing body.

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