England to keep Thomas Tuchel as manager despite late World Cup heartbreak

England manager Thomas Tuchel will remain in charge of the national team despite the dramatic World Cup semi-final defeat by Argentina, the Football Association (FA) has decided.

The German coach’s future had been thrown into doubt after England conceded twice in the closing minutes to lose 2-1 in their 2026 World Cup last-four clash on Wednesday.

Late collapse shatters England’s World Cup dream

England looked set for a first World Cup final since 1966 when Anthony Gordon put the Three Lions ahead in the 55th minute.

But Argentina turned the match on its head in the dying stages. Enzo Fernandez equalised in the 85th minute before Lautaro Martinez struck in stoppage time (90+2) to complete a dramatic comeback and dump England out of the tournament.

The nature of the defeat – surrendering a lead so close to full-time – triggered fierce criticism of Tuchel from sections of the media and fans, who accused the team of losing concentration and tactical control at the crucial moment.

England will now face France in the third-place play-off in the early hours of Sunday, while Argentina advance to meet Spain in the final.

FA stands firm behind Tuchel

Despite the painful exit, the FA remains fully behind Tuchel, according to a report in the Daily Mail.

The 51-year-old, who previously managed Chelsea and Bayern Munich, is under contract to lead England through to Euro 2028. Some observers had questioned whether the semi-final collapse in such agonising circumstances might force the FA to reconsider.

However, the governing body is said to “still have complete confidence” in Tuchel and is prepared for him to continue in the role, provided he wishes to do so.

The semi-final loss brought to an end England’s hopes of reaching a World Cup final for the first time in 60 years, but FA officials are understood to see the broader trajectory of the team under Tuchel as positive, despite the disappointment in North America.

Tuchel vows to lead England into Euro 2028

Tuchel himself moved quickly after the Argentina match to underline his commitment to the job and to England’s long-term project.

He reiterated his desire to remain in charge and to take the team into the European Championship in two years’ time – a stance that aligns with the contract extension he signed in February.

From the outset of his tenure, Tuchel has been presented as a long-term appointment, tasked not only with delivering results at major tournaments but also with refreshing the squad and overseeing the development of a new generation of England players.

Looking beyond the World Cup setback

England’s campaign in 2026 will inevitably be judged through the lens of the semi-final collapse, but the FA’s stance suggests it views the defeat as a setback rather than the end of a cycle.

The squad includes several players regarded as among the best young talents at the tournament, and internal assessments have highlighted progress in attack, creativity and defensive organisation across the competition, despite the late lapses against Argentina.

Attention will now shift to the play-off against France and then to the rebuilding process ahead of Euro 2028, with Tuchel remaining central to the FA’s vision of how England can finally convert promise into a major trophy.