FA backs Tuchel despite England’s World Cup heartbreak
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By Adegboyega Adeleye
England manager Thomas Tuchel has retained the full backing of the Football Association despite the Three Lions’ heartbreaking exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with FA chief executive Mark Bullingham insisting the German “gave it everything” during the campaign.
England’s 60-year wait for a major men’s trophy continued on Wednesday after Argentina staged a dramatic late comeback to win 2-1 in the World Cup semi-final in Atlanta, overturning Anthony Gordon’s second-half opener through goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez.
Despite fierce criticism of Tuchel’s second-half substitutions and tactical changes that saw England surrender a 1-0 lead, Bullingham made it clear the FA remains firmly behind the former Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss.
“It is heartbreaking to be so close,” Bullingham said in a statement quoted by BBC Sport.
“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.”
According to both BBC Sport and ESPN, Tuchel will remain in charge through to Euro 2028, with the FA determined to continue its long-term project despite missing out on a first World Cup final since 1966.
Tuchel, whose contract runs until the European Championship to be jointly hosted by England, Wales, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland, also confirmed he has no intention of stepping down.
“We keep on going with the contract until the home Euros,” Tuchel said.
“I’m looking forward to that even though right now it’s difficult to look that far ahead.”
The former Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea coach acknowledged the disappointment of the semi-final defeat but argued England’s run to the last four should not be dismissed.
“A lot of big football nations are eliminated before the semi-final, so it is an achievement,” he said.
“No-one wants to hear that at the moment; me neither because we demand the most of ourselves.”
Tuchel signed a contract extension in February after initially being appointed in January 2025 with the mission of ending England’s long wait for World Cup glory.
England will now face France in Saturday’s World Cup third-place play-off before turning their attention to Euro 2028 on home soil, where Tuchel will again be expected to deliver the trophy that has eluded the national team for six decades.
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