FA to seek England players’ views in World Cup review

The Football Association is asking England’s World Cup players to assess the campaign, including the tactical decisions that preceded the team’s semi-final defeat by Argentina. Their views will form part of the standard review conducted after every major international tournament.

Thomas Tuchel and members of his backroom staff visited St George’s Park last week to begin examining England’s performance in North America. A broader report on the campaign will be delivered later, with members of the squad also expected to contribute their views.

That player involvement comes as concerns emerge within the squad about Tuchel’s substitutions and tactical approach against Argentina. England led 1-0 through Anthony Gordon but conceded twice late in the match to lose 2-1. BBC Sport reported that at least three senior players privately questioned the manager’s approach in the closing stages, with a widely held view that the set-up became too defensive.

The review will also assess the effect of England’s permanent base in Kansas City. The team returned there after every match during the tournament, and the impact of that travel will be analysed.

England later beat France in the bronze-medal match to secure their best World Cup finish since winning the tournament in 1966. FA figures therefore regard the campaign as a success and have backed Tuchel before the Euro 2028 qualifying campaign. England’s first match since the World Cup will be against Spain in the Nations League on 26 September. They will also play the Czech Republic twice and Croatia during the next international window.