England finish third as Tuchel tactics spark squad rift before Euro 2028
England secured their best World Cup finish in 60 years with a 6-4 win over France, but internal dissent over Thomas Tuchel's defensive tactics clouds their Euro 2028 prospects.
England defeated France 6-4 to claim third place at the World Cup, marking their best finish since lifting the trophy in 1966. The result caps a campaign where the fourth-ranked side reached the semi-finals for only the third time in 60 years.
Despite the historical placement, the tournament will be remembered as a missed opportunity. A second-half collapse against Argentina in the semi-finals, followed by reports of player dissatisfaction with Tuchel's passive strategy, has left the camp deflated.
Assistant manager Anthony Barry captured the mood at half-time of the France match, noting: "They're playing a game with broken hearts. I see 11 lads on the field with broken hearts." Tuchel's decision to employ defensive substitutions and tactical switches against Argentina drew private criticism from squad members.
That frustration spilled into the stands when Tuchel was booed by supporters in Miami before the bronze match. The Football Association quickly reaffirmed its backing of the German coach, stating the intention is for him to remain in charge for Euro 2028 following a standard end-of-tournament review.
Club stars carry the burden
The campaign heavily relied on the individual quality of Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham, who scored seven goals, and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane, who netted six. Tottenham's Djed Spence also boosted his stock with a goal-saving tackle on Giuliano Simeone against Argentina. Arsenal's Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon provided three assists each, though questions remain over Saka's overall impact.
The Euro 2028 challenge
Looking ahead to Euro 2028, England must solve a tactical puzzle. Tuchel built a physical side moulded entirely around Bellingham and Kane, a one-dimensional approach that faltered under pressure. They will face formidable European opposition in France and Spain at that tournament.
The coach may find answers in emerging talent. Liverpool's 17-year-old Rio Ngumoah and 16-year-old Max Dowman of Arsenal offer fresh attacking options. Tuchel showed he can unleash attacking flair by rejigging the side against France, but the pressure is on to prove he can replicate that potency when it matters, before Kane potentially plays his final tournament at the 2030 World Cup.
