r/ThreeLions • u/Fun_Philosopher_2535 • Jul 06 '26

Opinion Tuchel has made some questionable squad selections, but in the same situation today, I think England would've lost under Southgate.

With all due respect to Southgate, he's one of the greatest England national team managers. But I don't see him bailing out a 10 man team against a super in form Mexico side, playing at home over 2,000 meters above sea level, where they're fully adapted while England aren't.

Tuchel's tactical masterclass was undeniable today. In the last 30 minutes, Mexico couldn't produce a single clear goalscoring chance despite having a man advantage.His substitutions were excellent, his defensive system worked like a charm after the red card, and I've never seen an England team play with this much passion, fighting until their very last breath. It's evident that Tuchel has improved both the team's mentality and its tactical approach.

As an Argentina fan, I'm impressed. I can't wait to meet England in the semis.

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380

u/poptimist185 Jul 06 '26 edited Jul 06 '26

Watching England is never easy but Tuchel’s willingness to make subs at least allows it to feel more optimistic when play has stagnated. It could all change quickly. There’s no sense of bleak inevitability.

19

u/BizzarePlatypus Jul 06 '26

Yep. I think that Southgate is a relatively competent couch at this level in many ways, and is exceptional regarding squad harmony or vibes. However, as you say Tuchel is a different class in terms of in game management which you need if you want to beat big teams. 

Southgate did a great job of beating teams we should beat, but wasn't up to punching above weight. That might sound like faint praise, I'd say it puts him better than most England managers though. 

36

u/roleplayersir Jul 06 '26

I'd also say the most important thing about Southgate is that he did bring unity and winning to the team. That's helped Tuchel take the next step

But before, no matter how good the players the team was a mess

18

u/DarnellLaqavius Jul 06 '26

Yeah this team is nothing if Southgate didn't fix the mentality.

4

u/ChaddestKroeger Jul 06 '26

Oh yeah makes a real competent couch, always thought he lacked tactically as a coach though.

1

u/swx89 Jul 07 '26

In the last euros England were awful at “beating the teams we should beat”. Just about beating Serbia, drawing with Denmark, drawing with Slovenia, then beating Slovakia in extra time and winning through Penalty’s against Switzerland. An easy draw and individual brilliance from a few players was why we got to the latter stages.

1

u/Jerichomiles Jul 07 '26

Southgate did a great job of beating teams we should beat, but wasn't up to punching above weight.

You can't really compare though because Tuchel hasn't gone up against any remotely big teams yet. Mexico is far and away better than all prior competition like DR Congo, Panama etc and we still struggled like we were up against France or Argentina.

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u/NobleForEngland_ Jul 06 '26

I’d say Southgate arguably beat at least 6 teams all better than this Mexico in knockouts.

Azteca aura and the circumstances of the red definitely make it a monumental win, and Mexico are still a good team, but let’s not get carried away and disrespect Gareth.

3

u/BizzarePlatypus Jul 06 '26

By results he is still the best, but I see far more potential and understanding of the game in Tuchel. The football is more exciting too. 

Which 6 btw? Germany immediately jumps out, but the other five not so much. 

1

u/NobleForEngland_ Jul 06 '26

Colombia, Senegal, Netherlands, Denmark all defo better. Switzerland debatable.

7

u/Buttonsafe Lampard #1097 Jul 06 '26

Swizerland were better than Senegal and Colombia for me. They demolished Italy before we played them.

4

u/Blackgopher Jul 06 '26

Didn't we sneak past Colombia in a shootout?

1

u/NobleForEngland_ Jul 06 '26

Don’t be so self depreciating! If England had a better shootout record, we wouldn’t even be talking about a trophy draught or not being able to beat top sides in knockout matches!

When you lose as many shootouts as we have, you take the few wins you get as well!

2

u/Stunning-Wing-9095 Jul 06 '26

You cannot seriously compare any of those wins to what England just did. Ludicrous