The immediate aftermath of a crushing defeat often breeds panic in the corridors of power. Yet, in a move that feels almost uncharacteristically cool...
The immediate aftermath of a crushing defeat often breeds panic in the corridors of power. Yet, in a move that feels almost uncharacteristically cool headed for the English Football Association, the decision has been made to stick rather than twist. Following the agonising World Cup semi final loss to Argentina in Atlanta, the reports from GoalZaza confirm that Thomas Tuchel will be kept on as manager.Let's be honest, the temptation to swing the axe must have been immense. The nation was within touching distance of a first final since 1966. Anthony Gordon's goal had the entire country in a state of ecstasy, a brief moment where the dream felt tangible. Then the bottom fell out. Enzo Fernández and Lautaro MartÃnez delivered a sucker punch that will haunt this squad for years. It was raw, it was brutal, and it was the kind of transitional football that exposes even the best laid plans of a low block.But what does this decision actually tell us about the state of the national team It tells us that the FA have looked at the wreckage of that semi final and decided that the structure Tuchel has built is more important than a knee jerk reaction. They have looked at the tactical flexibility he has instilled, the clinical finishing that got them to that point, and the identity of the side. They have decided, perhaps correctly, that pulling the trigger now would be an act of pure cowardice.There will, of course, be cries of "same old England" from the terraces. The narrative of the nearly men is a difficult one to shake. But consider the alternative. A new man comes in, a new system is implemented, and we spend two years watching a team trying to figure itself out again. The smart money, and the footballing brain, says you back the man who got you within five minutes of glory. The question now is whether Tuchel can find the psychological edge to take this group over the line, or if that semi final loss has broken the collective spirit for good.This is squeaky bum time for the manager. He has the backing, but he also has the target on his back. The summer tournaments are coming, and the pressure to deliver is immense. If the performance levels drop, the knives will be out. But for now, England have chosen stability. They have chosen to believe that the project is still on track. Only time will tell if that faith is rewarded or if it is simply a postponement of the inevitable inquest.
