By Amaechi Agbo

The English Football Association have moved swiftly to back under-fire manager, Thomas Tuchel hours after the Three Lions were eliminated in the semi-final of the 2026 World Cup by Argentina on Wednesday.

A 2-1 defeat by Argentina on Wednesday meant England’s men missed out on a first World Cup final appearance since in 60 years, 1966.

Tuchel was criticised for his substitutions as England squandered a 1-0 lead late on, but he has the full backing of FA chief executive Mark Bullingham.

“It is heartbreaking to be so close,” FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said in a statement.

“The players and Thomas gave it everything today and the squad, coaches and staff could not have worked harder during the tournament. I would like to thank them all and also give my heartfelt thanks to our wonderful fans here in the USA and at home. We felt your support every step of the way and we are all so disappointed not to go further.”

The German signed a two-year contract extension in February having been appointed in January 2025 on an 18-month mission to win the World Cup.

The 2028 European Championship finals are being hosted by England, Wales, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland, and it was said that Tuchel viewed leading the side into a home Euros as a rare opportunity.

England will face France in the bronze-medal match on Saturday (22:00 BST) – and victory will mean this is their best performance in a men’s World Cup since 1966.

Despite the disappointment of losing in the semi-final, England’s progress will be viewed internally as a relative success.

Tuchel said at his post-match news conference in Atlanta: “We keep on going with the contract until the home Euros.

“I’m looking forward to that even though right now it’s difficult to look that far ahead.

“Of course, it’s a semi-final; a lot of big football nations are eliminated before the semi-final, so it is an achievement.

“No-one wants to hear that at the moment; me neither because we demand the most of ourselves. That’s just the nature of being competitive.”