Thomas Tuchel has sparked fresh controversy in England after defending his tactical decisions following the 2-1 semifinal defeat to Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The German coach refused to retreat from his approach despite widespread criticism from the media and former players. Instead, he argued that his team lost control because they failed to win duels and keep possession after taking the lead.
Explaining his decisions, Tuchel said: “At that moment, I felt that no organization in the world could have helped us. We were too passive and not physical enough. We didn’t prevent the attackers from getting into our box, and our crosses were poorly aimed. I think that right after the goal, the momentum completely shifted, and our possession dropped dramatically.” He then added: “It’s perhaps not in our DNA, as it is in the Spanish or Argentinian-Brazilian DNA, to take the ball and control the game with it.”
Those remarks triggered another wave of criticism across England. The Telegraph rejected Tuchel’s theory, arguing that the country’s investment in coaching and player development has produced footballers who can dominate possession.
The newspaper also insisted that England has talented players such as Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Adam Wharton, Harry Maguire, and Luke Shaw, placing the responsibility on Tuchel’s tactical choices rather than on the players’ footballing identity at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
