Tuchel: England carry ‘scars’ of World Cup heartbreak into France playoff - Al Jazeera
England football coach Thomas Tuchel has addressed the team's emotional state following their World Cup semifinal defeat to Argentina. The squad is now preparing for a third-place playoff match against France in Miami.
Why it matters
The performance of the England national team under a high-profile coach is a major cultural and sporting event, drawing significant public and media scrutiny.
England coach Thomas Tuchel says his side carry the pain of defeat into third-place playoff against France.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info England's German head coach Thomas Tuchel led the team to the semifinals in his first major assignment [Patricia De Melo Moreira/AFP] By AFP Published On 18 Jul 2026 18 Jul 2026 Thomas Tuchel said that England’s players carry the “scars” of a painful World Cup exit, admitting there was still a gap to close on the top nations.
The England boss has been heavily criticised for his defensive substitutions in a 2-1 semifinal defeat by Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday.
Anthony Gordon put England on track to reach their first World Cup final since 1966, but late goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez turned the match around.
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