England’s coach, Thomas Tuchel, recently shared his thoughts with the BBC, shedding light on the team’s recent performance.
“Our feelings are mixed with disappointment. We came incredibly close, but after finding the net, our play became overly passive, leading to numerous opportunities for the opposition,” Tuchel admitted.
He further explained, “Our ball possession was lacking, causing us to face a barrage of crosses, chances, and attempts on goal.”
“We stood on the brink of success but failed to maintain our performance level post the goal,” he added.
Critics have started to question Tuchel’s tactics. English football icon, Wayne Rooney, pointed out that England’s strategy was overly defensive, noting they did not push for a second goal following the first.
But Tuchel said England was going for a second, they just couldn’t get their feet onto the ball.
“We couldn’t win any balls, we couldn’t keep the ball, so I think it was not a structural problem. We changed nothing. But the match changed completely,” he said.
He also defended his decision to switch to a back-five.
“We conceded [a chance] straight away and we decided to go to a back five because the gaps were far too open,” he said.
“They won every header, they kept crossing and crossing so we went to a back five to close the gaps inside and be strong in the air.
“Straight after our goal, without any substitutions, we conceded way too many crosses and way too many chances, so we tried to help.
“Of course, the responsibility is on the coach and if it doesn’t go well, it is easy to say it was wrong.”
— Miles Proust