Tuchel faces six-person FA panel probe into England's World Cup semi-final exit

Thomas Tuchel is set to face a formal review panel at the Football Association this week, as the governing body conducts a wider probe into England’s performance at the 2026 World Cup in North America.

The Germany manager will stand before the FA’s six-person performance advisory group, which will produce a report to be handed to FA chiefs later this year. The meeting follows an earlier three-day internal review at St George’s Park, attended by Tuchel, assistant Anthony Barry, the wider coaching staff, and FA technical director John McDermott.

England reached the semi-finals in North America, eliminating Mexico and Norway in the knockout rounds before meeting reigning world champions Argentina in Atlanta. Anthony Gordon put the Three Lions ahead in the 55th minute, but late goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez ended their run. A 6-4 victory over France in the third-place play-off secured a bronze medal — England’s best World Cup finish since their 1966 triumph.

The panel is chaired by Jobi McAnuff, the only former professional footballer in the group. Appointed to the FA Board as an independent non-executive director in 2022, McAnuff made nearly 700 Football League appearances for clubs including Reading, Leyton Orient, Wimbledon, and Watford, and earned 32 caps for Jamaica between 2002 and 2016. He retired from playing in 2021.

Sir Kevin Sinfield, one of rugby league’s most decorated figures, also sits on the panel. The 45-year-old made more than 500 appearances for Leeds Rhinos, won seven Super League titles, and captained both club and country before transitioning into coaching and administrative roles within the sport.

The review comes as England prepare for an extended three-week international break, during which Tuchel’s side will play four UEFA Nations League fixtures — their first competitive outings since the World Cup exit in Atlanta.