FA to consult England players in review of World Cup campaign

Players to have their say in FA’s World Cup review

The Football Association has begun its post-tournament review of England’s World Cup campaign and will seek feedback from players who took part, alongside head coach Thomas Tuchel and his backroom staff.

The FA said the exercise is part of its standard process after major international competitions. Tuchel and members of his staff met at St George’s Park to assess the team’s performance, with a wider report on the campaign due at a later date.

Semi-final tactics and tournament logistics under scrutiny

The review will consider England’s 2-1 semi-final loss to Argentina, in which they conceded twice late after taking the lead through Anthony Gordon. BBC Sport reported that at least three senior players had privately questioned Tuchel’s approach in the closing stages, with concerns that the substitutions and set-up had become too defensive.

It will also assess the effect of England’s permanent base in Kansas City. The team returned there after each match, and the FA is expected to examine whether the travel and arrangements affected the campaign.

England went on to beat France in the bronze-medal match, recording their best World Cup finish since winning the tournament in 1966. The FA regards the campaign as a success and has backed Tuchel ahead of the next qualifying campaign.

England’s next fixtures

England are due to return to action against Spain in the Nations League on 26 September, followed by two matches against the Czech Republic and a fixture with Croatia during the next international window.