Tuchel did not deliver, but his time with England is not up - Shearer

England's World Cup run ended in a 2-1 defeat to Argentina, leaving fans and pundits to reflect on the team's exit at the semi-final stage. Thomas Tuchel, who took charge in January 2025 with the specific mandate to secure a major tournament trophy, faced immediate criticism for his tactical approach during the match. The decision to adopt a defensive posture after scoring proved costly, as it granted Argentina and Lionel Messi significant control over the game.

Despite the frustration surrounding this result, former England international Alan Shearer argues that Tuchel should remain in the position. Tuchel is under contract to lead the team into the 2028 European Championship, a tournament that England will co-host. Shearer notes that while the scrutiny on the manager will intensify, the current group of players showed meaningful growth throughout the competition, particularly during their win over Mexico in the last 16.

Moving forward, there are clear adjustments required. The squad balance remains a topic of debate, with questions arising about the long-term future of the centre-forward position as Harry Kane approaches his 33rd birthday. Expectations for the next cycle are high, especially given the upcoming home advantage for Euro 2028. For now, the team returns from the tournament with lessons on tactical flexibility and the need to maintain attacking pressure against world-class opposition.

Shearer emphasizes that this defeat, while painful, is not the end of the road. Tuchel has the experience to assess what went wrong and adjust his methods before the next qualifying campaign begins. The focus now shifts toward squad refinement and ensuring the team is ready to capitalize on the opportunity to perform on home soil in two years.