Thomas Tuchel has made clear that he will not attempt to reshape England's football identity, insisting instead that he intends to work with the frenetic, high-tempo style that defines the national team's play as he sets his sights on success at Euro 2028.
Speaking after England's run to the World Cup semi-finals in July, where they were eventually eliminated by Argentina, Tuchel acknowledged that his side is not always the most measured or economical when in possession. Despite the semi-final defeat, in which England surrendered a 1-0 lead in the closing stages after failing to control proceedings, the head coach believes fighting against that instinct would be counterproductive.
Against Argentina, England took the lead in the 55th minute but were unable to manage the game from there, seeing little of the ball as the South Americans fought back with two late goals to progress. Tuchel conceded that his players had run out of steam and that this contributed to the collapse, but he stopped short of framing it as a fundamental flaw to be eliminated from the team's approach.
"I would say yes," Tuchel said when asked if England's inability to see out the match stemmed from a lack of control. "But I would still say it is not how English fans cherish a match. I don't think that an English supporter goes to a Premier League match and wants to see a controlled match and 1-0 late on."
The German coach explained that he continues to grapple internally with the balance between wanting more composure from his team in decisive moments and respecting the attacking instincts ingrained in English football. He referenced the country's football heritage, pointing out the absence of a tradition built around patient build-up play, and instead highlighted the appetite among players and supporters alike for direct, attacking football.
"Deep down, in the core, English players and the spectators – and this is a beautiful thing – they go for it," Tuchel said. "They say: 'Let's play [for] 6-3 or 4-3. Let's not play 1-0. We want to put the ball up front.' There was the famous kick-and-rush in earlier times. There is no heritage of: 'Oh, let's control around the middle line.' It's just like: 'Come on. Let's kick the ball into the opponent's box and fight with them.'"
Tuchel admitted he would like his team to show glimpses of composure similar to world champions Spain during pressurised moments, but conceded he lacks the time with his squad to instil such a contrasting approach. He suggested that trying to impose a different tactical framework would not suit the natural characteristics of his players, many of whom are shaped by the relentless, high-intensity demands of the Premier League.
"I know I don't [do that]," Tuchel said when asked whether he planned to introduce a more possession-based model. "I think it will not suit the characteristics of our players."
Looking ahead, Tuchel's England will face Spain at home, along with both legs against Czechia and an away trip to Croatia, in their next set of Nations League fixtures. He described his emotions about the World Cup campaign as mixed, given the manner of the Argentina defeat, but pushed back against suggestions that the tournament should be viewed solely through that lens. England's run to a third-place finish, secured with a win over France in the playoff, marked their best World Cup result since 1966.
"I have never said it was a big success," Tuchel said. "I said there were a lot of positives. It was unfulfilled. But why is the expectation so high? When did we last win it? When did we ever win it? Why is the expectation so high that even bringing home a medal cannot be acknowledged?"
Based on reporting from Guardian Football.