Thomas Tuchel has affirmed that he retains the full backing of the England players despite the tensions following their World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina in the summer. The England head coach acknowledged the difficult aftermath of the defeat, which saw him express sharp criticism of the team’s playing style and question the nation’s football identity.

Tuchel’s decision to make defensive substitutions late in the semi-final drew surprise and frustration among squad members, especially as he later suggested they had not followed his instructions on the pitch. Despite this, he insists the team remains united and poised to improve as they look toward the UEFA Euro 2028 tournament.

“I have no doubt how keen they are, no doubt, because I know them, I was seven weeks with them,” Tuchel said after naming a 27-man squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures. The coach highlighted the continuity between past and future campaigns, noting that the team has been together for 18 months and shares a solid foundation. “It’s not a new beginning that we are starting now, so we build on a solid and very valuable foundation, and the target is to win the home Euros,” he added.

Tuchel also reflected openly on his own feelings following England’s narrow miss in the World Cup. The team’s third-place finish—their best-ever on foreign soil—came after a victory over France in the third-place playoff. However, the coach admitted he remains “scarred” by the experience of slipping away at the final hurdle.

One of Tuchel’s central themes has been his scrutiny of England’s “football DNA.” He explained that he is wrestling with the question of whether English players naturally value and achieve control during matches, especially in comparison with the Premier League’s club teams, many of which include foreign players who impose strong tactical control.

“Is this in our DNA? Do we really value control? Is this something that makes us feel good in a match? And is this something that comes easy to us?” Tuchel asked rhetorically. He also questioned whether players recognize when a team is controlling the midfield or if they feel stifled and compelled to chase attacking opportunities instead.

Despite the internal debate, Tuchel indicated confidence in the quality of England’s training and preparation. He noted that the players have experienced some of the highest-level sessions of his career, including those emphasizing pace and quick decision-making.

As England prepares for the next phase of international competition, Tuchel’s approach signals both a commitment to learning from recent setbacks and a determination to build a cohesive, competitive squad around a clear tactical identity.