From Southgate to Tuchel - has anything changed?
England's football team has faced a disappointing World Cup exit under manager Thomas Tuchel, mirroring criticisms previously directed at Gareth Southgate. Despite Tuchel's focus on a rigid, system-first approach, the team struggled with identity and tactical execution.
Why it matters
The failure of a high-profile managerial transition highlights the ongoing challenges in English international football and the limitations of tactical systems over individual talent.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, England were meant to be a different proposition under Thomas Tuchel
Football tactics correspondent Published 6 hours ago It all felt rather familiar as England exited the World Cup with a 2-1 semi-final defeat by Argentina.
Too pragmatic, poor use of substitutes, sitting back too deep and when faced with their first real big opponent of the tournament, a crushing defeat.
All well-known - if at times perhaps unfair - criticisms of Sir Gareth Southgate's England teams.
But this was under the management of Thomas Tuchel, the German brought in to signal a change of approach for England - one that was supposed to bring a first World Cup in 60 years.
So with comparisons being drawn between Tuchel and his predecessor, what has really changed for England?
In March 2025, Tuchel was asked about England's Euro 2024 campaign under Southgate.
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