Neville criticizes Tuchel’s ‘English DNA’ comments after World Cup loss
7 reported
Gary Neville has pushed back against England manager Thomas Tuchel's suggestion that English football's 'DNA' was responsible for the team's 2-1 World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina. Tuchel faced scrutiny for his tactics and substitutions after Anthony Gordon gave England an early second-half lead, only for Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez to score and send Argentina into the final against Spain. Tuchel stated it was "not in our [English football] DNA like it is in Spanish DNA or in Argentinian-Brazilian DNA, to take the ball and control the game with the ball." Neville, speaking on the Stick to Football Podcast, said he has "a big problem with that," pointing to Tuchel's squad selection and in-game decisions. Neville noted that Tuchel left technical players like Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Adam Wharton, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Trent Alexander-Arnold at home, and did not bring on Kobbie Mainoo or Bukayo Saka during the match. Sky Sports News reports the FA are not considering Tuchel's position, and he is set to be in charge for Euro 2028 after signing a two-year contract extension before the World Cup.
What’s reported
England lost 2-1 to Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals on Wednesday.
Anthony Gordon gave England the lead early in the second half but was substituted in the 72nd minute for Ezri Konsa.
Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez scored for Argentina, sending them to Sunday's final against Spain.
Tuchel blamed the 'English DNA' for the defeat, saying it is not in English football's DNA to control the game with the ball.
Gary Neville criticized Tuchel's comments, citing his decision to leave Kobbie Mainoo on the bench and omit Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Adam Wharton, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Trent Alexander-Arnold from the squad.
Sky Sports News understands the FA are not considering Tuchel's position, and he is set to be in charge for Euro 2028 after signing a two-year contract extension before the World Cup.
Neville also responded to Argentina defender Cristian Romero, who called him "stupid" for earlier criticizing the center-back pairing of Romero and Lisandro Martinez.
Key figures
Gary Neville, Sky Sports pundit and former Manchester United full-back
Thomas Tuchel, England manager
Anthony Gordon, Barcelona winger and England player
Enzo Fernandez, Argentina player
Lautaro Martinez, Argentina player
Kobbie Mainoo, England player
Bukayo Saka, England player
Phil Foden, England player
Cole Palmer, England player
Adam Wharton, England player
Morgan Gibbs-White, England player
Trent Alexander-Arnold, England player
Cristian Romero, Argentina and Tottenham defender
Lisandro Martinez, Argentina defender
Lionel Messi, Argentina player
Sources: Sky Sports
