Tuchel's 'path of destruction' record haunts England's early contract gamble

Thomas Tuchel heads into his first major international tournament under a cloud of scrutiny, with former Premier League striker Troy Deeney questioning the FA’s decision to extend the England manager’s contract before a ball has been kicked at the 2026 World Cup.

Deeney, speaking on CBS Sports, praised Tuchel’s willingness to make difficult decisions — most visibly demonstrated by the omission of Phil Foden and Cole Palmer from his World Cup squad — but stopped short of a full endorsement. “I like that about him, he’s willing to make those harsh calls and decisions,” Deeney said. “The problem for me is that we gave him an extension before we’ve seen what he’s going to do.”

Tuchel was originally appointed on an 18-month contract with a clear mandate: take England to the World Cup final and win it. The FA’s decision to extend that deal before the tournament has drawn criticism given the German’s well-documented history of turbulent exits from club football.

At Paris Saint-Germain, Tuchel publicly criticised the club’s transfer policy, accusing the hierarchy of losing “too many players on free transfers.” At Bayern Munich, shortly before his departure, he stated: “I don’t think I am the only problem.” His time at Chelsea ended abruptly mid-season, continuing a pattern of acrimonious splits with employers.

“He is argumentative, but he is a winner,” Deeney acknowledged, capturing the central tension surrounding Tuchel’s tenure. “He will be judged on if he wins it or how we go out.”

Tuchel himself has not shied away from friction on the international stage either. After England’s win over Wales at Wembley last year, he turned his fire on the home support: “The stadium was silent. We didn’t get any energy back from the stands. We did everything to win.”

England open their World Cup campaign against Croatia next week, beginning what Tuchel has framed as the defining test of his reign. A qualifying phase that impressed in results but faced questions over the quality of opposition means the tournament itself will provide the first genuine measure of his impact — contract extension or not.