Gary Neville Blasts Tuchel's England 'DNA' Claim After 1-0 Lead Vanishes
Updated
Updated · ESPN · Jul 17
Gary Neville Blasts Tuchel's England 'DNA' Claim After 1-0 Lead Vanishes
3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Jul 17
Summary
Gary Neville said Thomas Tuchel will “regret” suggesting England lack the “DNA” to control big games after their 1-0 semifinal lead over Argentina disappeared late.
Tuchel made the remark after England, set up with a defense-heavy side, were pinned back by Argentina’s possession and he said his team became too passive once pressure mounted.
Neville argued Tuchel’s own choices worsened that problem, criticizing defensive substitutions and saying technical players such as Kobbie Mainoo and Bukayo Saka were not used when England needed to keep the ball.
He also said Tuchel left “generational talents” at home — including Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold — making the DNA explanation ring hollow.
Despite England missing their target of a second World Cup title, Tuchel is set to stay through Euro 2028 after the FA kept backing the coach under contract until 2028.