World Cup 2026: England coach Thomas Tuchel delivers message to players - BBC

England manager Thomas Tuchel delivered an emotional address urging his squad to finish the World Cup strongly following their 2-1 semi-final defeat by Argentina on Wednesday.
The Three Lions return to their Kansas City base for two final training sessions before Saturday's bronze-medal match against France in Miami; victory would mark England's best men's World Cup finish since winning in 1966.
Sources say Tuchel encouraged players to move past their disappointment and expressed pride in reaching only a fourth World Cup semi-final in the nation's history.
The relationship between Tuchel and his players has come under scrutiny, with some key figures reportedly unhappy at instructions to sit deeper after taking the lead through Anthony Gordon; Lionel Messi then assisted late goals for Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez's 92nd-minute winner.
Tuchel has disputed suggestions the defensive retreat was tactically directed, saying it was never the plan to drop deeper and that controlling the game "is maybe not in our DNA."
The 52-year-old German, appointed in January 2025 and given a contract extension in February, retains Football Association backing and is expected to lead England into the 2028 European Championship, co-hosted by England, Wales, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.