That semi-final loss to Argentina in Atlanta? Yeah, it wasn't just a bummer, it screamed that England needs to be a totally different squad in two years for Euro 2028. Thomas Tuchel wants to keep coaching England, and the FA is totally on board for him to stick around for his two-year contract, trying to spin it as part of a "journey." But the issues that cost them across the Atlantic are still glaring, and a home European Championships isn't a guaranteed win without some serious changes.
The Plan B That Backfired and The Numbers England Can't Ignore
Tuchel’s game plan B, that desperate retreat and hang-on-for-dear-life strategy, backfired big time against Argentina. It showed a fundamental flaw that needs fixing. His broader style, too, might be outdated. England only had 54 per cent possession in that tournament, which looks pretty thin if Spain wins the World Cup with their 63 per cent. That gap underlines that possession matters, big time. And speaking of big issues, Harry Kane will be 35 soon after Euro 2028. Yeah, he's probably not retiring, and he could even hit his 100th England goal in the next tournament, but the lack of a natural successor is a massive worry. Plus, this World Cup might have been the last shot to win something big with both Kane and the much younger Jude Bellingham near their absolute peaks. Then there's John Stones, a rock for five tournaments, but he's 32 now, club-less, and even spent time on the bench in the World Cup. It looks like Kane and Jordan Pickford are going to be the only constants from 2018 to 2028. That's a huge shift.Rebuilding Bridges: The Talent Tuchel Absolutely Needs Back
Maybe Tuchel's initial 18-month contract led to a short-term approach, because some of his "emblematic selections" just won't cut it for 2028. We're talking about Dan Burn, who will be 36, and Jordan Henderson, who will be 38. If they were just squad players in the US, what about the aging in the starting eleven? This is a national team, not a retirement league. The boss needs to stop being stubborn. He absolutely has to rebuild bridges with players like Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, and Trent Alexander-Arnold. The sheer number of No. 10s means tough decisions, sure, but the right-back situation is just ridiculous. With Reece James constantly injured, there's zero excuse to keep ignoring Alexander-Arnold, even when Tino Livramento gets fit. There are players out there offering serious potential for change, and Tuchel needs to embrace them. Tuchel is "100 per cent" committed to sticking around, and the FA wants him to continue, so it's clear he's got two more years at the helm. With a home European Championships on the horizon, the pressure is on. Can he truly refine his style, bring back the talent he needs, and fix the aging squad? England needs a different game plan, and fast.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.