Thomas Tuchel criticises DNA of England players after World Cup exit
England manager Thomas Tuchel has defended his tactical decisions following the team's World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina. He attributed the defeat to the players' lack of physical intensity and inability to control the ball, rather than his own substitutions.
Why it matters
The comments highlight the intense scrutiny surrounding high-stakes international sports management and the cultural expectations of playing styles.
Thomas Tuchel criticises DNA of England players after World Cup exit Football Today Sat, July 18, 2026 at 5:35 AM UTC · 2 min read Thomas Tuchel has defended his tactical decisions following England’s heartbreaking 2-1 World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina.
He insists that the team’s downfall was caused more by the players’ inability to control the match than by his substitutions.
England took the lead 10 minutes into the second half, with Anthony Gordon turning home a low cross from Morgan Rogers .
The Three Lions looked to be in a strong position, but the game slipped away late on as Lionel Messi inspired Argentina to a sensational comeback .
The reigning champions scored twice in eight minutes to book their place in the final and end England’s hopes of winning the World Cup for the first time since 1966.
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