​Following the 2–1 loss to Argentina in the World Cup semi-final, Thomas Tuchel has faced heavy criticism for his tactical choices, with many observers pointing to the early decision to shift to a back five as a primary reason for England’s elimination. Tuchel, however, has rejected those accusations, offering a measured response that includes a touch of distance from the match. Instead of blaming a single formation, he argues that a deeper issue lies in the DNA of English football.
In Tuchel’s assessment, the defeat was not caused by the setup but by England’s inability to hold possession under pressure and to control the tempo of the game. After taking a 1–0 lead, England appeared to lose their grip entirely: possession dwindled, key duels were no longer won, and the team invited pressure, retreating further and further into their own half. “You have to get back into possession. Otherwise, you can’t break the pressure or regain the momentum,” Tuchel explained. He sees this as the fundamental difference between England and other footballing nations such as Spain, Argentina, or Brazil, where demanding the ball even under sustained pressure and dictating play through possession is woven into their footballing identity.
Tuchel notes that England has historically relied on different strengths, and this is not merely a matter of tactical tweaks. The English FA’s initiative to articulate a formal DNA philosophy in 2014 aimed to modernize English football for the long term. The plan centered on fostering technically capable, tactically intelligent, and possession-oriented players who could control games with the ball. Yet despite these reforms, Tuchel contends that there are still notable deficiencies in England’s ability to stay calm on the ball under pressure and to pepper games with sustained, confident possession.
These observations align with Tuchel’s broader view of what it takes to compete at the highest level. He believes that a team’s identity—its instinct to retain and deploy the ball under pressure—matters just as much as tactical formations. In his mind, England’s traditional strengths lie elsewhere, not in possession control under siege, which puts them at a disadvantage when facing sides that routinely press and smother opponents.
Despite the scrutiny and ongoing debate about England’s footballing DNA, Tuchel remains committed to his role. He is not considering quitting; on the contrary, he is “one hundred percent” motivated to continue his work and address the issues he identifies. He sees the task ahead as an opportunity to help England evolve, refine its approach, and cultivate the sort of possession-based resilience that defines the game at the elite level.
What do you think? Is England’s DNA to blame for the elimination against Argentina, or do you disagree with Tuchel’s assessment? Share your thoughts in the comments. This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence; you can read the original version in German here.