Earlier this week we reported on Thomas Tuchel's instinct call on Morgan Rogers before England vs Argentina. After the semi-final itself, the bigger update is simple: the FA are not moving to sack him, even after England vs Argentina swung late against them. Mark Bullingham backed the manager publicly, and Tuchel said he would take the criticism for the decisions that drew it.

Bullingham's public backing

Bullingham's first reaction after the defeat was not the tone of a man preparing a change. "It is heartbreaking to be so close. The players and Thomas gave it everything today and the squad, coaches and staff could not have worked harder during the tournament," he told express.co.uk.

Tuchel's own response was equally direct. "No, I believe that's just the nature of the game. As soon as you lose, you get criticised. It's just what it is. No one knows what would have happened if we made different decisions," he said. Later, he added: "So it makes no sense to engage in that and lose my head. I'm responsible for them. I took them, so I take the criticism."

That is the key distinction here. The FA can review the tournament, and Bullingham has said that is standard after every competition, but review is not the same as removal. He also said: "We have a manager who we think is doing a really good job. Obviously, there's tough tests to come, we'll see how we go. But we're very happy with everything behind the scenes, how it's playing out, how he's worked with everyone."

Tuchel signed a two-year contract extension in February, committing him through Euro 2028. That makes an immediate exit look even less likely.

How the semi-final turned late

England led 1-0 with five minutes of normal time remaining. Anthony Gordon scored in the 55th minute from a Morgan Rogers assist, and for a while it looked like Tuchel's side had enough control to protect the lead.

Instead, Argentina found two late goals. Enzo Fernández equalised in the 85th minute and Lautaro Martínez scored in the second minute of stoppage time. The match changed at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, with Rooney's complaint about Tuchel's defensive gamble already hanging over the discussion.

Rooney said: "The gamble he made was to go with five at the back, which allowed them to dictate the game. The decisions Thomas Tuchel made, we have to be honest, have cost us tonight." Tuchel does not accept that he should be judged through hindsight alone, but the late collapse is the kind of result that drives the noise around any England manager.

For now, though, the FA are backing the one they hired. The review comes next, and Tuchel goes into it with the contract and the board's support still in place.

Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 2 outlets. How we work →