Manager Thomas Tuchel has urged the England squad to finish the World Cup positively following their heartbreaking defeat to Argentina. The team returned to their base in Kansas City after the semi-final loss on Wednesday and will participate in two final training sessions ahead of Saturday’s bronze-medal match against France.

According to sources, Tuchel addressed his players, encouraging them to move past their disappointment and aim for a strong conclusion to the tournament. A victory against France in Miami would mark England’s best finish in men’s World Cup history since their triumph in 1966.

Tuchel expressed pride in the team’s efforts throughout the tournament, as England achieved their fourth World Cup semi-final in history.

The dynamic between the 52-year-old German coach and his players has gained attention following Argentina’s late comeback victory, which ended the match at 2-1.

BBC Sport reported that several key players felt frustrated with how the team was instructed to finish the game after taking the lead through Anthony Gordon. In the waning moments, Tuchel shifted to a back-five and made defensive substitutions as Lionel Messi played a crucial role in guiding Argentina to victory, assisting both Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez’s game-winning goal in the dying seconds.

However, Tuchel has since clarified that the decision to adopt a more defensive strategy was not a result of his directives. He stated to British newspapers that it was never intended for the team to retreat and noted that controlling the game may not align with their inherent style.

In the upcoming pre-match press conference for the France game, set for 0030 BST on Saturday, Tuchel is expected to respond to questions regarding his tactical approach during the match against Argentina.

The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager signed a two-year contract extension in February after being appointed in January 2025, with the initial aim of winning the 2026 World Cup. It is reported that Tuchel still has the support of the Football Association and is anticipated to lead the team into the 2028 European Championship, which will be hosted by England, Wales, Scotland, and the Republic of Ireland.