Tuchel under fire but England undone by more than manager's tactics

July 16 : Thomas Tuchel was hailed as England's best chance to win the World Cup but after another failure the German has faced a barrage of criticism in the aftermath of their semi-final defeat by Argentina, though his tactics were not the only reason.

What the armchair experts forget is that on Wednesday England were facing the defending champions, still being inspired by the world's greatest player Lionel Messi.

FA Chief Executive Mark Bullingham heralded Tuchel's appointment as Gareth Southgate's long-term replacement as an opportunity for England to build on previous near-misses.

"Our aim is always to win a major tournament and we believe Thomas gives us the best possible chance to do that at the next men's World Cup," Bullingham said at Tuchel's unveiling in October 2024.

A serial winner at club level, the former Chelsea boss stepped into the role the following January declaring he would "try to get a second star on our shirt" as the English sought to repeat their World Cup-winning feat from 1966.

That mission unravelled in the dying minutes against Argentina with Tuchel's defensive switch after Anthony Gordon's opener leading to defeat and a vitriolic critical backlash.

"In the fog of war, reality was lost," former West Ham United and Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew said on talkSPORT in one of the more measured appraisals. 

"Fear, mistakes and a rational organisation of the team was lost. In truth the manager fed a negative mindset."

FUNDAMENTAL ISSUES BEHIND EXIT

Tuchel, however, felt the issues that led to the defeat and another England World Cup exit were much more fundamental.    

"In this moment my feeling was no structure in the world could have helped us," he said.

"I think ball possession plays a crucial role;