Vieira backs Tuchel to stay as England manager despite World Cup exit to Argentina

Thomas Tuchel will remain England manager following the Three Lions’ World Cup elimination, with the Football Association standing by the German coach after a 2-1 defeat to Argentina in Atlanta sent the defending champions through to the final.

Argentina came from behind to end England’s hopes of a first World Cup triumph, with Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez scoring late to overturn Anthony Gordon’s opener just before the hour mark. Martinez’s winner arrived in injury time, sending Argentina through to face Spain.

Tuchel has faced criticism for his conservative approach once England took the lead, with a succession of defensive substitutions failing to protect the advantage. Despite the backlash, the FA and chief executive Mark Bullingham are understood to back the former Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain boss, who signed a two-year contract extension in February that runs through to Euro 2028.

Former Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira was among the most prominent voices calling for continuity, arguing on the Rest is Football podcast that dismissing Tuchel now would be a mistake.

“I believe in stability,” Vieira said. “After you make a decision with Tuchel… I think it would be mad, for me, to sack him or to change the coach. I think that was his first big tournament and of course there are some positive and negative and the frustration is going to be there because you are out like that.”

Vieira also expressed confidence that England could go on to win Euro 2028 under Tuchel’s stewardship, pointing to the character shown throughout the tournament as grounds for optimism.

“With the way they competed in this World Cup, there is no doubt that the Euros — England are going to win it, not to go to the semi-final, they are going to win it,” he added. “I think it will be mad for the FA to change that.”

Tuchel will now begin preparations for the Euro 2028 qualifying campaign with his position secure, though the manner of England’s exit is likely to fuel debate about his tactical approach for some time.