Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy says the FA should fire Thomas Tuchel after England was knocked out of the World Cup against Argentina earlier this week
09:07, 19 Jul 2026
England manager Thomas Tuchel during a press conference.
England manager Thomas Tuchel during a press conference.(Image: Carmen Mandato - FIFA via Getty Images)
Former Liverpool and England midfielder Danny Murphy says the Three Lions should fire Thomas Tuchel after their World Cup exit this week at the hands of Argentina.
England was a goal ahead until late on, when Tuchel made negative changes, and his side conceded twice. As a result, Lionel Messi and co will take on Spain in the final later today, while England finished third after winning the bronze final.
"It was a terrible performance in the second half, and I think they went out with a whimper rather than on their shield," Murphy said on BBC Sport before England beat a disinterested France.
"I think he will keep his job, but I don't think he should. He's failed, and he's failed in the same way we've failed before.
"It's the biggest tournament in the world, and I think he probably will get the belt on for his part. I think they should make a change."
When Gareth Southgate was in charge, the accusation was that he was too defensive and not bold enough to get England over the line. Tuchel was meant to be the man to change that.
Thomas Tuchel looks on prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between England and Argentina. Photo by Marvin Ibo Guengoer - GES Sportfoto/Getty Images
Thomas Tuchel looks on prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between England and Argentina. Photo by Marvin Ibo Guengoer - GES Sportfoto/Getty Images
Instead, England fell at the same hurdle that it had before, with Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham jaded and more and more center-backs being thrown into the action.
Tuchel was booed by some England fans ahead of the final game of the tournament for his team. But he insisted afterward that he was proud of his side's work this summer.
"This game will help us for sure — even if you can never fully celebrate a bronze medal," Tuchel said. "It’s the first [World Cup] medal for 60 years, first at a World Cup on foreign soil, and I hope the players can be proud of that at some point.
"We set ourselves the highest dream to chase, and we were very, very ambitious with our dream to make the final in the World Cup. So it’s very, very painful if you miss out, and the pain will stay for a while."
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Tuchel also revealed that Jordan Henderson had delivered a speech before the game that had helped to put their achievement in perspective.
"He put us in the right frame of mind, with everyone in one mindset," the German added. "It was unbelievable because today was very emotional.
"We built something very special in the last seven weeks, and we’ll never negotiate on that.
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"I still stand by my words, that we need to play better football, manage games better under pressure, take better decisions under pressure. We need to defend more economically."