Jamie O'Hara calls for Tuchel's sacking as FA backs England boss

12 per cent possession after Anthony Gordon's goal has become the defining statistic of England's World Cup semi-final collapse. Former Premier League midfielder Jamie O'Hara responded by demanding Thomas Tuchel's dismissal, describing the manager's tactical decision as one of the worst he had seen. The Football Association has taken the opposite position, backing Tuchel to continue through to Euro 2028 despite England surrendering a late lead in a 2-1 defeat by Argentina.

The Bottom Line

• Jamie O'Hara told Sky Sports News that England should sack Thomas Tuchel after the semi-final defeat.
• England led Argentina 1-0 through Anthony Gordon before losing 2-1 in the closing stages.
• Tuchel switched to a back five after 71 minutes, with England conceding twice during the following 21 minutes.
• The FA continues to support Tuchel, whose contract runs until the home European Championship in 2028.
• England must still face France in Saturday's third-place play-off in Miami.

Breaking It Down

England appeared close to ending a 60-year wait for another men's World Cup final when Gordon put them ahead in Atlanta. The goal gave Tuchel's side a position from which they could threaten Argentina on the counterattack, but England gradually withdrew towards their own penalty area instead.

The decisive tactical change arrived after 71 minutes. Gordon was replaced by Ezri Konsa as Tuchel moved to a back five. Reece James and Declan Rice were later withdrawn for Dan Burn and Nico O'Reilly, leaving seven defensively minded outfield players on the pitch. According to Sky Sports, England gave up 93 per cent possession in the 21 minutes after the formation change and failed to register another touch in Argentina's penalty area after scoring.

Enzo Fernandez equalised in the 86th minute after finding space outside England's crowded penalty area. Alexis Mac Allister then struck the post before Lionel Messi supplied the cross from which Lautaro Martinez headed Argentina's winner in stoppage time. Late introductions for Marcus Rashford and Ivan Toney came only after England had fallen behind and could not reverse the momentum.

O'Hara's verdict was uncompromising. Speaking on Sky Sports News, he said: Sack him. There has to be an inquest into the decision he made - one of the worst I've ever seen. He argued that Tuchel had been hired specifically to make the correct decisions in defining knockout matches, only to repeat the defensive retreat that had previously drawn criticism under Gareth Southgate.

Why This Matters

The fury is not simply about another England defeat. Tuchel was appointed with a reputation for handling high-pressure knockout football, and his selection was presented as a way to overcome the tactical hesitation that had marked several painful exits. England's approach after taking the lead therefore cut directly against the reason he was hired.

The defeat also reopened a familiar argument for supporters across Britain: whether England become too passive when a major final comes within reach. They had led Croatia in the 2018 World Cup semi-final and Italy in the Euro 2020 final before losing both matches. This time, however, critics focused on a deliberate sequence of defensive substitutions rather than a failure to react.

That distinction explains why O'Hara and several other former players placed responsibility on the manager. Harry Kane also acknowledged the central problem, saying England appeared to be trying to hold on after going ahead and that such an approach was not enough at this level. For supporters, the frustration lies in seeing an experienced squad with attacking options surrender control at the moment those strengths could have relieved the pressure.

What Comes Next

Tuchel has said he intends to fulfil his contract through Euro 2028, which will be hosted by England, Wales, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland. FA chief executive Mark Bullingham praised the work of the players, coaches and staff after the semi-final, signalling that an immediate managerial change is not planned.

England's next confirmed fixture is Saturday's third-place play-off against France in Miami. Beyond that match, Tuchel will face sustained scrutiny over whether he can rebuild confidence and avoid repeating the same retreat when England next reach a decisive tournament moment.