Thomas Tuchel spoke about “ball possession” and the “English DNA” as the fundamental reasons behind their World Cup semi-final defeat.
Tuchel was brutally honest about England’s failings after the disappointment in Atlanta and looked for reasons as to why they lost to Argentina. Fans, pundits and journalists rightly seized on his words as he was quizzed about England losing a control of a game they had within their grasp. Why they retreated deeper and why Tuchel made defensive substitutions.
But this was the key stat. From Anthony Gordon’s goal in the 55th minute to Lautaro Martínez’s goal in the 92nd minute England had just 12% possession to Argentina’s 88%. They basically gave up control of the game.
Tuchel said: “I think ball possession plays a crucial role. It’s maybe not in our DNA like it is in the Spanish DNA or Argentinian or Brazilian DNA. To take the ball, control the game and the ball which is also a big problem.
“We got too passive within our structure. I tried to help, not too become more passive with a back five in our structure but to be more active, to be quicker out to the wingers, not to open up the gaps between the back four.
“We encouraged everyone to step out, to be more active within the structure but we just struggled.”
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At the heart of those comments, Tuchel was effectively saying that he needed more players to be brave on the ball, to keep the ball and to change the traditional mindset.
Tuchel also made it clear that he told them to push forward… they just did not listen. And that is where Tuchel has to change things when he names the England squad on Friday.
It is difficult for a national manager to change the messaging, coaching and philosophy. That surely comes when they are kids, going through the system. But Tuchel can pick players who are better on the ball. Want the ball, dictate play and drive forward. Alex Scott is a great example of that.
Also, Tuchel has to change the mindset of the players going into games. So they don’t sit back. They drive forward. They keep going, keep pressing and keep looking for goals. Be brave with substitutions and tactical changes.
That is what Tuchel was brought in for. Gareth Southgate was accused of being negative. Tuchel has to be positive. He says he was against Argentina by going five at the back as he wanted the wing backs to push on. There’s a breakdown over who was to blame.
Thomas Tuchel wasn’t happy with what he saw in the World Cup semi
But if England could not deliver what he wanted against Argentina, then he has to look to players who can.
This is a manager who has made bold selections. Dan Burn, for example. Jordan Henderson. Ivan Toney. So, he is prepared to make big calls.
And now, for the four Nations League games, he has to usher in new players and try different things if he is really set on changing that English mindset which caused so much debate after he said it.
Tuchel ignored Kobbie Mainoo and did not give the Manchester United midfielder a single minute at the World Cup despite him being in the squad for the United States.
To be honest, that annoyed the United fanbase. But there was not too much noise beyond the predictable tribal anger. It is sometimes hard to know what position Mainoo occupies but he can certainly keep the ball in tight spaces.
But England do have smart, ball-playing midfielders. At the head of the queue is Bournemouth’s Alex Scott.
This is a player who was in England’s training group ahead of the World Cup and was actually on the long list of 55 for the tournament.
Scott has been outstanding this season. He loves to get the ball, be in possession and make things happen. He is actually not very English in his approach. He is gifted, technical and is such a good passer.
He has to be the future. All the big clubs have looked but he is starring for Bournemouth and really deserves his chance.
Alex Scott is impressing hugely with Bournemouth(Image: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Fulham’s Josh King also went with that training group. He impressed people behind the scenes with his attitude, he is super intelligent and smart.
King is also in good form. He has been a standout player for Fulham despite their slow start to the campaign. Tuchel has watched him from the stands this season and if you are promoting young players for the Euros in mind, then he must have a big chance.
Ethan Nwaneri has joined Borussia Dortmund on loan and is another who regards the ball as his friend. Of course Rio Ngumoha is destined to be capped and may be in. But he is a winger.
Adam Wharton is another ball player. He has been around the squad before but Tuchel is clearly not quite convinced. Is he athletic enough? Is that an issue? His passing range is excellent.
Then, of course, there is Cole Palmer, left out of the World Cup squad, but someone always willing to accept the ball under pressure and who always wants to play forwards. It will be interesting.
Who will make up the keepers? Dean Henderson has an ankle injury. Jordan Pickford and James Trafford are in. But few others are playing. Carl Rushworth? John Stones does not start every game for Inter Milan. Ollie Watkins has gone to the Saudi pro League.
There will be changes. That is natural as players get older and it’s a new campaign and tournament.
But it is whether we will see a change in approach and philosophy. Because if the manager thinks there is a problem with English football’s DNA then it is also his job to fix it.
Called upAlex ScottJosh KingRio NgumohaBen White (if fit)Carl Rushworth (for Henderson)Cole PalmerAt riskDean Henderson (injury)Dan BurnJohn Stones (injury)Noni MaduekeIvan ToneyOllie WatkinsJordan Henderson
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