Tuchel Looks Ahead to Euro 2028 After World Cup Semi-Final Setback
Manager Thomas Tuchel has confirmed his commitment to leading the England national team through to Euro 2028, despite their recent defeat to Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals. In a hard-fought match held in Atlanta, England came tantalizingly close to reaching their first World Cup final since 1966, only to be thwarted by a dramatic late comeback from Argentina.
England initially took the lead with a goal from Anthony Gordon, igniting hopes for a breakthrough victory. However, Argentina soon regained control of the match, with Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandes and Lautaro Martinez delivering a heartbreaking finish for the English squad in the final minutes.
Since taking the helm in January 2025, Tuchel had previously extended his contract until the upcoming Euro 2028, which will be co-hosted by England, Wales, Scotland, and the Republic of Ireland. When pressed about his future following the World Cup, he expressed a resolute intention to remain focused on the next major tournament, stating, “We intend to stay under contract until the Euros at home.” He added, “It’s hard to think that far ahead right now, but I’m looking forward to it.”
Preparations for Third-Place Match in Miami
Following their semi-final exit, England is set to stay in the United States to prepare for a third-place playoff against France in Miami. While Tuchel acknowledged that the match was not a desired outcome, he emphasized the significance of reaching the semi-finals for a second time in eight years. “We have to wait four years to qualify for the World Cup again, which in itself is an achievement,” he said. “Many footballing powers are eliminated before the semi-finals, and we should recognize that.”
Despite the disappointment of their World Cup run, Tuchel stressed the importance of resilience in sport. “The important thing for us is to be resilient and react,” he remarked. “That’s what you have to do at the highest level of sport, and that’s what we will do.”
Kane Reflects on Missed Opportunities Against Argentina
England captain Harry Kane conceded that their strategy to protect a slim 1-0 lead ultimately backfired, as Argentina took command late in the game. “My heart is broken,” Kane admitted. “After taking the lead, it felt like we were trying to hold on, but it wasn’t good enough at this level.” He expressed frustration over the collective effort from the team, noting, “We’ve worked hard to get here. Our players have given it their all—sweat, blood, tears, whatever.”
Kane pointed out that while the team’s initial game plan aimed to maintain momentum after Gordon’s goal, they struggled to apply pressure and control the game as Argentina ramped up their offense. “We pressed well in the first half and the start of the second half, but after that, we couldn’t match their intensity,” he explained. He highlighted the missed chances to extend their lead, stating, “After they scored, we couldn’t find the momentum to get back into the game.”
Reflecting on the tournament as a whole, Kane remained hopeful about the future, commenting, “There were a lot of good moments in this tournament, and we’re knocking on the door. We just need to find the missing pieces.” He acknowledged the physical and mental toll of such a rigorous competition, saying, “These tournaments are exhausting, but we’ve shown a lot together over the last six or seven weeks.”
