Thomas Tuchel says 'not in our DNA' to control game with the ball amid criticism for tactics after 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina

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Thomas Tuchel has issued a fresh defence of his tactics and substitutions amid criticism of England's 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday. Tuchel also blamed England's DNA for their dramatic exit.

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England led the semi-final 1-0 through an Anthony Gordon goal, but Lionel Messi inspired Argentina to a late comeback and 2-1 victory.

Argentina will face Spain in Sunday's World Cup final, while England must take on France in the bronze match on Saturday.

"In this moment my feeling was no structure in the world could have helped us," Tuchel said.

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"Because actually we were too passive and we were not physical enough. We didn't stop runners arriving in our box and the deliveries were wrong too.

"I haven't seen the data yet, but I think just right after the goal the momentum swings completely and ball possession drops dramatically.

"We couldn't find any duels any more; that's why we dropped deeper and deeper. It was never the plan, but it happened.

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"[We] couldn't stop the runners from the second line, the midfielders, through our gaps, and the deliveries were on the highest level. You need to get back on the ball; otherwise you cannot break the pressure, and you cannot get the momentum back.

"I think ball possession plays a crucial role, It's maybe not in our DNA like it is in the Spanish DNA or Argentinian-Brazilian DNA, to take the ball and control the game with the ball."

England's journey to the last four at this tournament had been a typically dramatic and at times fraught one.

They had to come back from behind to beat DR Congo and Norway in the knockout stages, while they also saw off Mexico in a thriller at the Azteca.

There have been calls for Tuchel to be sacked following the loss to Argentina. But the FA has made it clear it is sticking by him going into Euro 2028.

"I still feel there is an extra level that we need to conquer and need to step up to the next level to get the big prize," Tuchel said.

"I loved every day. I said after the Norway game that I see a disconnect from what I see in training on a football level and within the games. I think we can impose ourselves more on the ball.

”I still think we can show how good football players we are. I think that is still in us, as I see it in training and in every camp. And here also at the World Cup.

”As always you need a bit of time to digest, to reflect and to analyse. It just takes time and you have to bounce back. That is what sport demands. High level sports demand that of us. That’s basically the next step.”

Pressed on whether he definitely wanted to stay in charge of the team for Euro 2028, Tuchel added: ”Yes, 100%. There is still enough to improve, and I am more than happy to do that.

"I’m very pleased and I enjoyed every single day and I enjoyed every single minute of the first 55 minutes of the semi-final. We just couldn’t cope with the momentum swing."

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