World Cup: English FA backs Tuchel despite semi-final loss

The English Football Association has reaffirmed its support for head coach, Thomas Tuchel, following England’s 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the FIFA World Cup semi-final on Wednesday.

The loss denied England a place in their first men’s World Cup final since 1966, despite taking an early lead before Argentina scored twice late in the game to book a final against Spain.

Despite criticism of Tuchel’s substitutions during the closing stages of the match, the FA is standing firmly behind the German, who is expected to remain in charge through to UEFA Euro 2028.

Tuchel signed a two-year contract extension in February after taking over as England manager in January 2025 on an initial 18-month mission to lead the Three Lions to World Cup glory. England, alongside Wales, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland, will co-host Euro 2028.

Speaking in an interview with BBC Sport on Wednesday night, FA Chief Executive, Mark Bullingham, expressed his support for Tuchel and the team after the painful defeat.

He said, “It is heartbreaking to be so close. 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.”

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England will now face France in Saturday’s third-place play-off, with victory ensuring their best men’s World Cup finish since lifting the trophy in 1966.

Speaking after the semi-final defeat in Atlanta, Tuchel insisted he remains committed to leading England into the home European Championship.

“We keep on going with the contract until the home Euros,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to that even though right now it’s difficult to look that far ahead.

“Of course, it’s a semi-final; a lot of big football nations are eliminated before the semi-final, so it is an achievement.

“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.”

Despite the disappointment of falling short of the final, England’s run to the last four is expected to be regarded within the FA as a positive step under Tuchel, who now turns his attention to building towards Euro 2028 on home soil.