England’s semi‑final loss to Argentina sparked intense scrutiny of manager Thomas Tuchel’s tactical decisions throughout the tournament.
Criticism intensified after Tuchel’s side adopted an ultra‑defensive stance after taking the lead, a strategy that was later undone by late goals from Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez, sending Argentina to the final.
Former England midfielder Paul Scholes warned that several squad members, including young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, would be “fuming” with the manager over his handling of the campaign.
Scholes highlighted Mainoo’s complete lack of playing time, noting that the Manchester United midfielder finished the World Cup without a single minute on the pitch despite being fit for selection.
Tuchel had previously explained Mainoo’s absence by citing a back injury, a claim that Scholes dismissed as insufficient given the team’s overall performance.
The benching of Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka also drew ire, as Saka later scored a hat‑trick in England’s bronze‑medal victory over France.
Scholes argued that the team needed a player capable of controlling the game, suggesting Mainoo could have provided that spark had he been given an opportunity.
Former teammate Nicky Butt echoed the sentiment, encouraging Mainoo to consider boycotting the bronze‑medal match in protest of Tuchel’s decisions.
Butt warned that Tuchel’s approach could erode morale in the dressing room, saying several players might question their commitment to the manager.
Scholes also criticized what he described as a selfish mentality within the squad, comparing England’s individual talent unfavorably to the collective cohesion of rivals such as Spain.
He contended that the team’s focus on personal performance over teamwork contributed to the disappointing tournament outcomes.
Despite mounting calls for his dismissal, the Football Association has indicated it will retain Tuchel, who signed a two‑year extension in February that runs through Euro 2028.
