“The man who stole the nation’s dream.” The British media is waging a war against coach Tuchel

The loss of the England national team to Argentina, yesterday morning, in the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup, topped the headlines of British newspapers, which described the defeat as a “historical shock,” considering it an extension of “60 years of pain” since the team last won the World Cup title, and another dream that was shattered on the way to regaining the cup.

The British media also directed sharp criticism at German coach Thomas Tuchel, blaming him for abandoning the match due to his tactical decline, after the Three Lions took the lead in the 56th minute through Anthony Gordon, before the Argentine team succeeded in equalizing in the 85th minute through Enzo Fernandez, and then decided the match with a header goal scored by Lautaro Martinez in stoppage time (90+2).

The Daily Mirror newspaper published a picture of the England national team star, Jude Bellingham, sitting cross-legged, in reference to the state of collapse that the national team was experiencing, and contented itself with the word “crash” as a headline. She also held Tuchel responsible for switching to defense in an exaggerated manner, considering that this caused the loss of a new dream of being crowned, so that the 1966 World Cup title remained the only achievement in the history of the “Three Lions” team.

In turn, the Daily Mail newspaper headlined its page with the phrase: “The man who stole the nation’s dream,” and directly accused Tuchel because of his exaggerated caution during the second half, and described his substitutions as “tactical suicide,” considering that he presented the match on a golden platter for the Argentine national team led by Lionel Messi.

The “Football 360” website launched a scathing attack on Tuchel, accusing him of “tactical cowardice” and exaggerated retreat into defensive areas, which allowed the Argentine national team to turn the score around and score the winning goal in the fatal time. The site also criticized the coach’s abandonment of his promises to provide offensive football, and demanded that his future be decided, with the Spanish Pep Guardiola nominated to succeed him.

The Sun newspaper chose the title “60 Years of Pain,” expressing great disappointment after late Argentine goals crushed the English fans’ dreams of reaching the final. It also launched a sharp attack on Tuchel for his defensive substitutions, while highlighting the scenes of sadness and brokenness that loomed over the fans and players.