Tuchel retains FA backing as England prepares for Euro 2028
The England head coach, who signed a contract extension in February, faces France in the bronze-medal match as the squad looks ahead to the home Euros
Thomas Tuchel has secured the full backing of the Football Association following England’s 2-1 semi-final defeat by Argentina at the World Cup 2026. FA chief executive Mark Bullingham issued a statement praising the squad, coaching staff, and players, confirming that Tuchel will continue in his role to lead the team into the Euro 2028 finals. The tournament is scheduled to be hosted across the British Isles, including England, Wales, Scotland, and the Republic of Ireland.
Tuchel, who was appointed in January 2025 on an initial 18-month mission, signed a two-year contract extension in February that commits him to the position through the home Euros. Speaking at a post-match news conference in Atlanta, the German manager stated he has no regrets and intends to remain until after the European Championship. He described reaching the semi-finals as an achievement, noting that many major football nations are eliminated at this stage, despite the disappointment of missing out on a final spot.
The semi-final match saw England surrender a 1-0 lead to lose 2-1, a result that means the men’s team has not reached a World Cup final since 1966. Tuchel faced criticism for his late substitutions during the match, but he defended his tactical decisions and rejected suggestions of a curse affecting the national team. He emphasised that the squad and staff had worked hard throughout the tournament and expressed gratitude to fans in the USA and at home.
Bullingham acknowledged the difficulty of the result, describing it as heartbreaking to be so close to the final. However, he highlighted the effort provided by the players and staff, stating they could not have worked harder during the competition. The FA chief extended heartfelt thanks to the supporters, reinforcing the institution’s confidence in the current management structure as the team transitions to the next phase of international competition.
England is scheduled to face France in the bronze-medal match on Saturday at 22:00 BST. A victory in this fixture would secure England’s best performance in a men's World Cup since 1966. The match serves as the final opportunity for the squad to conclude their World Cup campaign before focusing entirely on the preparations for Euro 2028.
