Iain Murray

Thomas Tuchel is currently undergoing the usual post-tournament review for an England head coach with his employers, the FA, as per the excellent @SamWallaceTel. All the talk about squad selection and travel distance from World Cup base are side issues. The review should all be about Konsa for Gordon (72) in the World Cup semi-final in Atlanta. No disrespect to Konsa, an outstanding defender, but Tuchel’s calamitous decision removed England’s best pacey, attacking outlet who was terrifying Argentina’s defence. Sent an encouraging message to Argentina: we’re going to try to shut up shop (against Messi, good luck). Sent a negative message to England players. How much will the FA focus on this decision? They are hardly going to give him a hard time. They gave Tuchel a new contract before the World Cup, against all lessons from history (hello Capello; break clause removed in 2010). FA improved Tuchel’s contract in length and strength before his ability in crunch moments was properly tested. FA can herald third place, a best finish since 66, when everyone knows that England wasted their best opportunity since 66 because of Tuchel’s second-half caution. Rashford and Toney didn’t come on until England were 2-1 down, Saka stayed on bench. Disastrous. FA staff met with Tuchel last week. He will discuss matters with the FA’s performance advisory board next week. The chair, Jobi McAnuff, is a shrewd judge, obviously knows the game. Ditto Sarina Wiegman. Sir Kevin Sinfield has an elite sporting mindset. The other members, Sir Michael Barber, Manoj Badale, Colonel Lucy Giles and Damian Hughes, are very impressive in their own fields but judging an England manager? They could do with an England fan in there, giving some home truths. It is not to the FA that Tuchel has to explain himself. It is to the England players, some of whom were bemused at his changes against Argentina, and others were surprised at Tuchel’s criticism of their DNA; these are good players, some of them title winners, Champions League winners, wanting England to stay on the front foot as in the first half. Kane, a Tuchel supporter, confirmed recently there will be discussions, reflecting on the summer, during the forthcoming international break. It is to the England fans that Tuchel also has to explain himself. Fans who spent fortunes to get to games in the US and Mexico. Many of whom supported the team through qualifying, supported them through the lengthening years of hurt. Only to be let down by Tuchel’s second-half changes. Tuchel was brought in because his career indicated he was a master of game-management (Chelsea, 2021 CL final etc). He has so many questions to answers. Anger remains because it was such a self-inflicted wasted opportunity. When will England get this chance again. Kane will be 36 in 2030 and who looks like being his successor at No 9? Nobody anywhere near close to the great man. England would probably still have lost the final against Spain, the best team in the tournament. But it would have been good to have found out. #ENG