LONDON - England coach Thomas Tuchel says the DNA of English football needs to be changed if his team is to win major tournaments.
Old stories are back for England as their World Cup 2026 campaign ended in disappointment in the semi-final against Argentina.
They came close to reaching their first final since 1966 when Anthony Gordon's goal in the 55th minute put them ahead in Atlanta.
However, they became passive and let the momentum of the game turn around so that they lost 1-2 after late goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez.
It is the fourth time they have done the same in a pressure-packed knockout game. Previously they played defensively after leading in the 2018 World Cup semi-final against Croatia and the 2020 Euro final against Italy, as well as failing to take advantage of the equalizer against Spain in the 2024 Euro final.
Tuchel, who replaced Gareth Southgate with a special task to lead them to victory in a major tournament, was also responsible for England's defeat, with several defensive substitutions early in the game.
When asked if it was possible to change the mentality of England, he agreed.
"If that happens, then it has to be changed. However, I am not sure, I always try to think in the context of football, in terms of things related to football."
"I haven't seen the data, but I think right after the goal, the momentum completely shifted in possession, chances, and everything dropped drastically."
"We are too passive in our structure. I try to help, not to be more passive with five defenders, but to be more active, to get out to the wing players faster, not to open a gap between the four defenders."
"We encourage everyone to step forward, to be more active in the structure, but we just have difficulties. We can't find duels anymore, that's why we are going backwards, which is not our plan, but it happens."
"We need to get back in control of the ball, otherwise we can't break the pressure and get back into momentum. I think ball possession plays a big part."
"Maybe it's not part of our DNA like it is for Spain, Argentina or Brazil to dominate the ball, control the game and the ball, which is also a big problem," said Tuchel.
Tuchel has come under fierce criticism for his role in England's defeat, where he replaced scorer Gordon with defender Ezri Konsa midway through the second half.
Even so, the German coach, who signed a contract until 2028 ahead of the 2026 World Cup, has the backing of the English Football Association (FA) and reiterated his desire to lead England to Euro 2028 at home.
"Yes, 100 percent. There are still a lot of things that need to be improved, and I'm very happy to do it. I love it. I love every day."
"I said after the game against Norway that I saw a mismatch between what I saw in training at the football level and in the game. I think we can impose ourselves more in possession of the ball."
"I still believe we can show how great we are as football players. I think it's still in us, as I see in training and at every training camp," said Tuchel.
England will face France in the 2026 World Cup third-place playoff. Tuchel can at least save some face with a win in that game.
"In the 2026 World Cup, I still feel there is an extra level that we need to conquer and need to take to the next level to get a big reward," he said.
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