English backlash as Tuchel’s World Cup hopes crumble in Atlanta

England head coach Thomas Tuchel was on the touchline as his side fell 2-1 to Argentina in the World Cup semifinal in Atlanta on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough). The loss ended England’s quest for a first major trophy since 1966. England hired a German coach to end six decades of disappointment, hoping Tuchel’s record with Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint‑Germain, Chelsea and Bayern Munich would bring a second star to the national jersey. The appointment was presented as a decisive break from the past. Going into the final 15 minutes, England held a 1-0 lead, a position that had them poised to advance for the first time since a group‑stage win over Argentina in 2002. The advantage persisted until the 85th minute, when the match entered a decisive phase. Argentina equalised through Enzo Fernandez and then secured the winner with substitute Lautaro Martinez, turning the score to 2-1 and extinguishing England’s hopes in the closing moments of the game.

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The English media reacted predictably, branding the performance a “same old story” and declaring that “Tuchel just shrank” in headlines that followed the Wednesday defeat. Former England captain Gary Lineker questioned whether Tuchel was the right man to take the team forward, saying on his Netflix show that he was “brought in specifically to take us over the line” and had “got it so wrong in the big moment.” Former captain Wayne Rooney added that the decisions made by Tuchel “cost us tonight.”

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Tuchel, who signed a two‑year contract extension ahead of the tournament, defended his choices, noting that criticism follows any loss and that “I’m responsible for them, so I take the criticism. That’s just the way it is.” FA chief executive Mark Bullingham described the defeat as “heartbreaking to be so close,” thanking the players, staff and fans while confirming England will meet France in the third‑place game in Miami. Tuchel dismissed the notion of an English curse, saying he believes the problems are solvable on the football field and that his contract runs until the home Euros in 2028.