World Cup 2026: England coach Thomas Tuchel delivers message to players

Thomas Tuchel was appointed England manager in January 2025 on an initial 18-month deal

Manager Thomas Tuchel has called on England to end the World Cup strongly in an emotional address to the squad after their agonising defeat by Argentina.

The players returned to their base in Kansas City following the semi-final loss on Wednesday to undertake two final training sessions before Saturday's bronze-medal match against France.

And sources have told BBC Sport that Tuchel, in a speech to his squad, has collectively encouraged his players to put their disappointment behind them and finish the tournament on a high.

If England beat France in Miami to claim third place, it would be their best men's World Cup finish since winning the tournament in 1966.

Tuchel is also understood to have stressed how proud he was of their efforts in North America as the Three Lions reached only a fourth World Cup semi-final in their history.

The relationship between the 52-year-old German and his players has become an emerging narrative following Argentina's 2-1 victory in the last-four tie with two late goals.

BBC Sport reported on Thursday how a number of key players had been left disappointed at how the team were instructed to finish the game having taken the lead through Anthony Gordon.

Tuchel reverted to a back five and made a number of defensive-minded substitutions in the closing stages as Lionel Messi inspired a dramatic comeback by assisting goals for Enzo Fernandez and then Lautaro Martinez's 92nd-minute winner.

However, the England head coach has since appeared to refute the idea the defensive retreat was a result of the directions he'd provided his team.

He said it was never the plan to drop deeper and "it's maybe not in our DNA... to control the game and ball".

Tuchel is likely to be asked about his team's tactical approach against Argentina in the pre-match news conference for the France game, which is due to take place at 00:30 BST on Saturday.

The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss signed a two-year contract extension in February, having been appointed in January 2025 on an initial 18-month mission to win the 2026 World Cup.

It is understood Tuchel retains the backing of the Football Association and is expected to lead the team into the 2028 European Championship, which is being hosted by England, Wales, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.

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