Thomas Tuchel can kickstart new England era with SIX call-ups after World Cup autopsy

Thomas Tuchel spoke about “ball possession” and the “English DNA” as the fundamental reasons behind their World Cup semi-final defeat.

Tuchel was brutally honest about England’s failings after the disappointment in Atlanta and looked for reasons as to why they lost to Argentina. Fans, pundits and journalists rightly seized on his words as he was quizzed about England losing a control of a game they had within their grasp. Why they retreated deeper and why Tuchel made defensive substitutions.

But this was the key stat. From Anthony Gordon's goal in the 55th minute to Lautaro Martínez's goal in the 92nd minute England had just 12% possession to Argentina's 88%. They basically gave up control of the game.

Tuchel said: “I think ball possession plays a crucial role. It’s maybe not in our DNA like it is in the Spanish DNA or Argentinian or Brazilian DNA. To take the ball, control the game and the ball which is also a big problem.

“We got too passive within our structure. I tried to help, not too become more passive with a back five in our structure but to be more active, to be quicker out to the wingers, not to open up the gaps between the back four.

“We encouraged everyone to step out, to be more active within the structure but we just struggled.”

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At the heart of those comments, Tuchel was effectively saying that he needed more players to be brave on the ball, to keep the ball and to change the traditional mindset.

Tuchel also made it clear that he told them to push forward… they just did not listen. And that is where Tuchel has to change things when he names the England squad on Friday.

It is difficult for a national manager to change the messaging, coaching and philosophy. That surely comes when they are kids, going through the system. But Tuchel can pick players who are better on the ball. Want the ball, dictate play and drive forward. Alex Scott is a great example of that.

Also, Tuchel has to change the mindset of the players going into games. So they don’t sit back. They drive forward. They keep going, keep pressing and keep looking for goals. Be brave with substitutions and tactical changes.

That is what Tuchel was brought in for. Gareth Southgate was accused of being negative. Tuchel has to be positive. He says he was against Argentina by going five at the back as he wanted the wing backs to push on. There’s a breakdown over who was to blame.

But if England could not deliver what he wanted against Argentina, then he has to look to players who can.

This is a manager who has made bold selections. Dan Burn, for example. Jordan Henderson . Ivan Toney. So, he is prepared to make big calls.