FIFA WC: 'I don't think Tuchel should keep his job,' says Danny Murphy after England finish third
London, July 19
Former England midfielder Danny Murphy believes Thomas Tuchel should not continue as England head coach despite leading the Three Lions to their best FIFA World Cup finish in 60 years, arguing that the German's tactical approach in the semifinal defeat to Argentina cost the team a place in the final.
England bounced back from their heartbreaking semifinal loss by defeating France 6-4 in an entertaining third-place playoff, with Bukayo Saka scoring a hat-trick after not featuring in the defeat against Argentina.
However, Murphy insisted the bronze-medal finish could not mask what he described as a failed World Cup campaign.
"He will keep his job, but I don't think he should. He has failed. They are missing out on a World Cup final because of the tactics. They will be devastated," Murphy told BBC Sport.
The former Liverpool midfielder questioned Tuchel's conservative approach against Argentina, saying England had left too much attacking talent unused.
"There are so many incredibly, wonderfully gifted footballers in our squad and that was why it was so disappointing in that second half against Argentina, because most of them weren't on the pitch.
"The frustrating thing is this level of forward thinking and creativity just wasn't there against Argentina," he added.
Former England defender Stephen Warnock also criticised England's cautious display after taking the lead against the eventual finalists. He also questioned the benching of Bukayo Saka against Argentina.
"We all thought Thomas Tuchel was going to be the guy who took the handbrake off. Just disappointed that we retreated so quickly in that game," Warnock said.
"I think, where was the pace against Argentina? The performance from Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford and their ability to stretch the pitch... Pace kills anyone. It's a defender's worst nightmare, and it is so hard to defend against," he added.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Look, third place is still an achievement! England haven't finished this high since 1966. But Murphy has a point—why be defensive against Argentina when you have Rashford, Saka, and Foden? Tuchel's German pragmatism cost them. Still, sacking him seems harsh. 🤔
Murphy is spot on. England's golden generation is wasted if you don't let them attack. That semifinal was like watching India in a T20 World Cup knockout—going defensive and losing. Saka scoring a hat-trick in the playoff just rubs salt in the wound. 😤
I agree with Murphy and Warnock! Tuchel came in promising attacking football, but against Argentina he parked the bus with a 1-0 lead. That's not why England hired him. Saka should have started. Third place is good, but this generation deserved a final. 🇦🇷👎
As neutral Indian fans, we saw England dominate France with Saka's pace. Tuchel's tactics against Argentina were baffling. But sacking a manager who got third place? That's harsh. Maybe give him one more tournament. Ab bas, thoda attacking khelna hai! ⚡
Murphy is being a bit harsh. Third place in World Cup is not 'failed.' But I get his frustration—England had the talent to beat Argentina. Warnock is right, pace kills, and Tuchel didn't use it. Still, I
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