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England fans were left with mixed emotions after Thomas Tuchel’s side thrashed France in the World Cup third-place play-off – days after going out with a whimper against Argentina.
In a game dubbed the one ‘no one wants to play’, the Three Lions went flying out the blocks as they led their fellow semi-finalists 4-0 at half-time in Miami.
While France brought the score back to 4-3 in the second-half, the likes of Bukayo Saka – who scored a hat-trick – and Jude Bellingham ensured it was England who would be taking home bronze as they led their side to a 6-4 victory.
Manager Tuchel insisted he felt energised after the full-time whistle, and it is understood the German has the FA’s full backing to lead the national team into Euro 2028.
It comes three days after he received widespread criticism for his approach to the semi-final defeat by Argentina, which saw the coach employ backs-to-the-wall tactics for around 25 minutes.
And fans, though rejoiced at the result that saw England secure their best World Cup finish since 1966, were left wondering what could have been following the full-time whistle.
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England fans questioned where their showing versus France was against Argentina
Manager Thomas Tuchel had been criticised for his defensive approach after his side went behind in the semi-final
‘England, where was this against Argentina?’ one fan wrote on X.
Another posted: ‘England deciding to play attacking, expressive football when it doesn’t matter at the World Cup…’
A third shared: ‘I know France don’t really care but it’s actually so frustrating watching this game. An attacking England is a bigger threat to any team than one trying to defend a 1-0 lead.’
Tuchel had defended his tactics against Argentina in the aftermath of the game, which saw him employ a back five from the 72nd minute when his side were leading 1-0.
The team collapsed, losing 2-1, before Tuchel blamed the English ‘DNA’ on the loss. His name was booed in Miami before the third-place play-off.
He added: ‘In this moment my feeling was no structure in the world could have helped us. Because actually we were too passive and we were not physical enough, we didn’t stop runners arriving in our box and the deliveries were wrong too.
‘I haven’t seen the data yet, but I think just right after the goal the momentum swings completely and ball possession drops dramatically. We couldn’t find any duels anymore; that’s why we dropped deeper and deeper. It was never the plan, but it happened.’
Some fans, though, saw the irony.
Tuchel went on to blame England’s ‘DNA’ for his side retreating against Argentina
In the 6-4 win over France, though, they showed their are more than capable of attacking play
One, for example, wrote on X after the France win; ‘Fair play to Thomas Tuchel, who seems to have managed to change that inbuilt DNA of England players to not attack after taking the lead in just three days.
‘Imagine what could happen with 19 months before a major tournament…’
England will now fly home from their Kansas base. Players will receive three weeks off before returning to their clubs.
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