Ultimately, we can look back and say we are a top 4 side, but it was the manner of defeat yesterday that sticks in my craw. After Italy in 2021 I felt that was when I knew Southgate didn’t have the tactical nous to win against top opposition and I expected Tuchel to be better, given he was brought in to bring that element to the team. However, yesterday was every bit as bad for poor game management. Up until we scored I thought it was an even game and it could go either way. Argentina were always going to push for it, so some defending capabilities were expected, but those decisions to put more defenders on just invited pressure to a team who knows how to come from behind. Egypt tried and failed, Switzerland were maybe forced into it somewhat with the 10 men, but tried and failed. So we look at that and try again, but with zero attacking outlets at all. Madness. If we had the game plan of the first 55 minutes we may still have lost, but at least it would have been giving it our all. That feels now like a what could have been. Tuchel overthought it and tried to be too clever in nullifying Argentina.
I don’t want to go on to the manager’s head; he’s achieved as much as Southgate has in the world cup (and I don’t mean that as a slight against Southgate) and we gave Southgate more chances, while Tuchel has had success. I feel those who praised Southgate for getting us far can’t criticise Tuchel whose failure was similar to Southgate’s, while still pushing us far. However, people are saying who else is there. Well, there is a Pep Guardiola available. He has little else to prove at club level, the FA could say “you have achieved so much, winning an international tournament will cement you as the best manager ever” and Pep reportedly likes living in England. I am not saying we should go for him and backstab Tuchel, just pointing out there is a good manager who might take it.
Oh well, at least I will get 12 points from yesterday’s game in the prediction league.
