England National Men’s Football Team manager Thomas Tuchel has indicated that England players don’t have the DNA to dominate ball possession in games like Spain and Argentina.
He made this shocking comment in a post-game interview after England capitulated in its semifinal clash against Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Tuchel’s side took the game’s lead in the 55th minute but held just 12% of ball possession for the rest of the game while Argentina scored twice registering 88% in ball possession during this period.
The German coach was slammed for his decision to introduce defenders in the game shortly after getting the goal but the former Chelsea manager fought back by seemingly blaming his players.
“We couldn’t find any duels anymore, that’s why we dropped deeper and deeper, it was never the plan but it happened.”
“I think ball possession plays then a crucial role, it’s maybe not in our DNA like it is in our Spanish DNA or Argentinian-Brazilian DNA, to take the ball and control the game with the ball” Tuchel said.
England take on France in the bronze medal game on Saturday, July 18.
