Thomas Tuchel’s future as England boss has been the talk of the nation following a disappointing semi-final exit at the hands of Argentina.
The Three Lions had one foot in the final when Anthony Gordon smashed home the opener just shy of the hour mark in that last-four clash.
But Enzo Fernandez’s leveller, followed by a crushing stoppage-time winner from Lautaro Martinez – with Lionel Messi omnipresent throughout – confined England to the dreaded third-place play-off.
Thomas Tuchel compared to Gareth Southgate in BBC pundit rant
Much of the criticism levelled at Tuchel surrounded his perceived approach to going a goal up, bringing off goalscorer Gordon for defender Ezri Konsa as his side retreated ever closer to Jordon Pickford.
For former Three Lions international Danny Murphy, it was all too reminiscent of regimes gone by.
“It was a terrible performance second half,” Murphy fumed in the BBC’s pre-match build-up to England’s bronze-medal meeting with France. “I think they went out with a whimper rather than on their shields.”
And there was no doubt in his mind who was responsible, with calls for Tuchel’s sacking following shortly after, despite predicting the German head coach keeping his job.
With what can only have been at least a partial nod to previous incumbent Gareth Southgate – who was similarly criticised for his cautious approach – Murphy made the case for change.
“He’s failed, and he’s failed in the same way we’ve failed before,” the former Liverpool man continued. “It’s the biggest tournament in the world and he had his opportunity, and I think, as I said, I think he probably will get the vote of confidence, but I think we should make a change.
“I think [the players] will be so devastated. They were so close. They had the game in their hands, they had control. They’re missing out on the World Cup final tomorrow because of the tactics.”
What FourFourTwo can agree on is that Tuchel will lead England into the next tournament, as right now it’s not clear who’s ready to step into the breach.
Yes, Pep Guardiola is sat with his feet up following his Manchester City departure, with rumours he’s been interested in the gig previously, but is he really going to want to jump straight back in? And he’s not immune to overthinking big tournament games himself…
Tuchel got the semi-final wrong, but when the dust settles, we might be better placed to recognise the green shoots from this summer.