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Blackcaps LIVE: Sport Nation ExtraTuchel set to remain as England boss for Euro 2028
Simon Peach •  July 17th, 2026 7:20 pm
The Football Association is backing manager Thomas Tuchel after England's World Cup exit | Photo: EPA
Under-fire Thomas Tuchel retains the Football Association's backing after England's disappointing World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina and looks set to stay on as manager for Euro 2028.
The 52-year-old former Chelsea boss was named Gareth Southgate's successor in November 2024 and was widely cited as having the necessary tactical acumen to go one step further than his predecessor, who lost in back-to-back European Championship finals as well as in a World Cup semi.
Anthony Gordon's strike had England on their way to achieving that and making a first men's World Cup final since 1966, only for Tuchel's defence-minded alterations to invite Argentina on as the Atlanta semi-final ended in a late 2-1 loss and evoked memories of previous eras.
The German coach's negative decision making has put him under intense scrutiny, but the Press Association understands he maintains the FA's support.
English fans are blaming coach Thomas Tuchel for the semi-final loss to Argentina | Photo: AP
Tuchel's initial deal had only covered this World Cup but in February he signed an extension until 2028, when he fully intends to lead England into the home Euros.
Speaking after the Argentina loss, the head coach said: "I have a contract until the home Euros and I'm looking forward to that even like now it is difficult to look that far ahead."
England flew back to their Kansas City base after Wednesday's agonising loss in Georgia, where FA chief executive Mark Bullingham praised Tuchel.
"It is heartbreaking to be so close," he said. "The players and Thomas gave it everything today and the squad, coaches and staff could not have worked harder during the tournament.
"I would like to thank them all - and also give my heartfelt thanks to our wonderful fans here in the USA and at home. We felt your support every step of the way and we are all so disappointed not to go further."
Thomas Tuchel wants his players to now focus on the third-place playoff against France | Photo: EPA
England cannot pack their bags for home just yet as the team must fly to Miami for a third-place play-off against France with Saturday's encounter bound to be a drag for all involved.
"A lot of lot of big, big, big football nations are eliminated before the semi-final, so, yeah, it is an achievement," Tuchel said of making the final four.
"No-one wants to hear that at the moment. Me neither, because we demand the most of ourselves. That's just the nature of being competitive.
"The nature of being so competitive (means) also puts the next game into perspective.
"Nobody of these (England) players, nobody of French players wants to play this match. They want to play in the final. We gave everything to be in the final."
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