Tuchel accused of 'tactical cowardice' after England's World Cup exit; FA retains faith for 2028 Euros

In a highly emotional match, England takes the lead against Argentina. But Lionel Messi's team takes control and turns the game around shortly before the end. The highlights in the video.

Thomas Tuchel is at the center of the debate following England's exit against Argentina. Also: Bastian Schweinsteiger brings an alternative to Jürgen Klopp into the national team coach discussion. All the news in our World Cup ticker.

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08:21 AM – Thursday, July 16

"Tuchel committed the mortal sin of tactical cowardice"

Following England's 1-2 loss to Argentina in the semi-final and Thomas Tuchel's decisions, the Australian newspaper Sydney Morning Herald has harshly criticized the German coach.

"What should he do now? How could he even return to England as public enemy number one? (...) On social media, fans, journalists, and experts loudly wondered whether Tuchel had become too defensive too early – and whether England would soon have to pay for these decisions. Why didn't he believe in his team? (...)"

The paper outlined that Tuchel is "a German coach who became known primarily through his time at Chelsea FC. He is only the third foreigner on the English coaching bench. His appointment was therefore extremely controversial. (...) As a proven winner with a ruthless streak, Tuchel was considered the right kind of change. But precisely because of his background, it was clear: if something went wrong, he would be shown no leniency. And that is exactly what happened."

The consensus among England's football commentators, the paper stated, is that "Tuchel committed the mortal sin of 'tactical cowardice' and 'outcoached' the semi-final – and that England's failure is solely his fault."

04:43 AM – Thursday, July 16

Schweinsteiger brings van Gaal into the national team coach discussion

Bastian Schweinsteiger can imagine his former Bayern head coach Louis van Gaal as national team coach. The 74-year-old Dutchman is a real option for him should the planned deal with Jürgen Klopp as Julian Nagelsmann's successor not materialize, Schweinsteiger said on ARD.

"So if Louis van Gaal has the energy health-wise, yes, one hundred percent. He would fit well too. He is someone who can build something new and has a structure," Schweinsteiger explained. "He has already proven with the Dutch that he always took them far. If Jürgen Klopp wouldn't do it, he would be at the top of my list."

03:53 AM – Thursday, July 16

Media reports: Tuchel has the association's trust

According to consistent media reports, Thomas Tuchel still has the trust of the English Football Association (FA) despite the semi-final failure. It is expected that the German coach will also lead the team to the 2028 home European Championship, wrote the BBC, among others. Tuchel will likely remain coach, wrote The Times.

Tuchel's contract runs through the European Championship finals in two years. The tournament will take place in England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. Tuchel has faced criticism from several experts after the 1-2 defeat against Argentina. They accuse the former Bundesliga coach of adopting a too defensive tactic after taking a 1-0 lead.

01:54 AM – Thursday, July 16

Kane leaves future World Cup participation open

Star striker Harry Kane has left open whether he wants to make another attempt at the World Cup title in four years. It is too early to talk about that, the English professional said after the 1-2 loss to Argentina. He looks at the situation year by year and sees how he feels. He always plays for the national team with pride and joy.

Kane pointed out that he will turn 33 this summer. At the same time, however, he also mentioned Lionel Messi, who still plays at the highest level for Argentina at age 39.

"I don't want to set limits for myself," Kane emphasized. "I will take care of the situation when it arises. But for now, it's first about processing this heavy defeat."