Tuchel says England must answer World Cup pain against France
England face France in the third-place playoff after Thomas Tuchel accepted responsibility for the semifinal loss to Argentina.
By Daniel Okafor · Business Editor
3 min read
Thomas Tuchel said England must respond quickly to the damage left by their World Cup semifinal defeat, with France awaiting in Saturday’s third-place playoff in Miami. The England manager also said his team still has ground to make up on the countries that have turned recent tournament runs into trophies, according to AFP.
England lost 2-1 to Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday after taking the lead through Anthony Gordon. AFP reported that Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez scored late goals to send the defending champions into Sunday’s final against Spain in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Tuchel, who was leading England at his first major tournament in charge, faced repeated questions on Friday about his choices during the semifinal. AFP reported that he has drawn criticism for defensive substitutions made before Argentina overturned the match.
The German coach said he had made those calls to help England protect the result, relying on his judgment during the game. He accepted responsibility because the result did not follow, while stressing that such decisions are made under pressure and in real time.
Tuchel spoke at the pre-match news conference alongside former Manchester City defender John Stones. AFP described the England manager as subdued as he discussed the defeat and its effect on the squad.
He said the loss belonged most directly to the players and staff, adding that outsiders would not feel it as sharply as those inside the camp. Tuchel said England would have to carry the hurt from the Argentina match, using the word “scar” to describe its lasting impact.
France match follows semifinal exits
England’s next opponent is France, who were beaten 2-0 by European champions Spain in the other semifinal, according to AFP. Didier Deschamps’ side now meet England in Miami rather than playing for the title.
AFP reported that Argentina, the defending world champions, will face Spain in the final on Sunday. The matchup leaves England and France, two of the tournament’s losing semifinalists, to close their campaigns in the third-place match.
Tuchel said England, ranked fourth by FIFA, remain behind Argentina, Spain and France in one key respect: their recent record of winning major honors. He pointed to what those national teams have built over years with their coaches and squads, according to AFP.
The former Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager said the difference also shows in the level of expectation surrounding those countries. In his view, Argentina, Spain and France arrive at World Cups with a stronger assumption that they should reach finals and win them.
Tuchel said England know they have work to do and promised a reaction against France. AFP reported that he framed Saturday’s match as the first chance for his players to show that response after the disappointment in Atlanta.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.