Despite Historic World Cup Finish, Disappointment Lingers for Thomas Tuchel and England

Thomas Tuchel guides England to third place, marking their best World Cup performance in 60 years. He wishes to continue, but is it possible?

In the celebratory photo, Thomas Tuchel, with a bronze medal around his neck, stood tucked away in a corner behind Jude Bellingham. However, as the German coach proudly walked through the stadium in Miami with his players, following a thrilling ten-goal match, and savored the fans' cheers, he became aware of this historic success: third place meant England's best World Cup result since 1966 – and for Tuchel, it was more than just a consolation prize.

"It's the first medal in 60 years, the best World Cup on foreign soil," Tuchel said after the 6-4 victory against France. "I hope the players are proud of it. 18 months ago, we set the biggest goal; we were very, very ambitious."

The fact that they didn't win the title was "very painful," and the pain will "pass, but the scar will remain." Tuchel praised his team, stating they had "created something very special and shown it again." He offered a "massive compliment for the mentality" to his squad. "That," Tuchel added, "was absolutely brilliant."

The spectacle of French success coach Didier Deschamps's farewell had demanded everything from him once more. "It's difficult; that's enough for four games," Tuchel commented. The happy ending was also a satisfaction for him after the intense criticism of recent days.

Nevertheless, the feeling persisted that with better coaching decisions and a bit of luck, more could have been achieved with this strong team, featuring superstars Harry Kane and Bellingham. In fact, not much had stood between them and their first World Cup final since 1966; England collapsed late in the semi-final against Argentina. The bitter 1-2 loss to Lionel Messi, which experts, fans, and media attributed to Tuchel, cost the 52-year-old significant credit.

Winning the 2028 Home European Championship as Thomas Tuchel's Clear Goal

Tuchel felt this acutely the evening before the clash with France. The press conference he had to give "felt like we had been eliminated in the group stage without a win," he said. "24 hours later, we have the greatest success in 60 years." Therefore, it helps to always put things into perspective.

This success in the third-place play-off against France was all the more important. "It was the perfect opportunity to see if Tuchel had learned from the defeat in Atlanta," the Telegraph wrote. "This time, England finished the match with as many attackers as defenders on the field. They just about managed to secure third place. A small step forward."

Tuchel, meanwhile, once again highlighted the team's performance. "Eight years ago, France were world champions. Four years ago, they were in the final. There's a small gap, but that's not a problem," Tuchel stated. "We want to close it. We beat them; that was the first step."

Further steps must follow, as after the World Cup comes the home European Championship: by 2028, England aims to finally achieve its first major title since the 1966 World Cup triumph. Tuchel will undoubtedly set the same ambitious goal then. If he is allowed to.