Neville slams Tuchel’s DNA excuse: ‘He left generational talents at home’

Gary Neville has launched a scathing attack on Thomas Tuchel after the England manager blamed the team’s World Cup semi-final exit on a lack of possession “DNA” – insisting the German coach left his best ball-players at home.

England surrendered a 1-0 lead against Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday, with Enzo Fernandez equalising in the 85th minute before Lautaro Martínez struck the winner. Tuchel responded to post-match criticism by claiming: “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”.

Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Neville did not hold back. “I have a big problem with that,” he said. “He didn’t bring Kobbie Mainoo on, who could handle the ball better than most. He didn’t bring Bukayo Saka on, who could probably handle the ball better than most”.

The former Manchester United defender then turned his fire on Tuchel’s squad selection. “He also left Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Adam Wharton, Morgan Gibbs-White and Trent Alexander-Arnold at home, technical players,” Neville said. “He’s left out what would be generational talents”.

Neville also questioned Tuchel’s in-game decisions. After Anthony Gordon’s opener, the manager introduced three defensive players before any attacking reinforcements. “I think he gave the players a message to hang on, and they were dropping deeper in the box, and he didn’t really help them get out with the substitutes he put on,” Neville said. “He will regret that”.

Strikingly, Neville reminded viewers why Tuchel was hired in the first place. “Thomas Tuchel is German, he’s not supposed to bring the English mentality, he’s supposed to bring the German mentality of winning,” he said. “He was brought in with a German mentality, to bring us the steel and the coldness and the ruthlessness in the big moments”.

Despite the backlash, the Football Association has confirmed Tuchel will remain in charge through Euro 2028. England now face France in Saturday’s third-place play-off in Miami.