Kane backs Tuchel to learn from England’s World Cup exit
England's best World Cup finish since 1966 still wasn't enough, but the captain and the FA are betting on continuity through Euro 2028
England’s 2026 World Cup campaign ended where so many have before: tantalizingly close to glory, yet ultimately short. A semifinal loss to Argentina sent the Three Lions home with a third-place finish, their best result at a World Cup since lifting the trophy in 1966.
Captain Harry Kane has thrown his full support behind manager Thomas Tuchel, calling the 2026 squad the “best England group for togetherness” and framing the tournament not as a failure but as a foundation.
Tuchel’s tenure: from skepticism to semifinal
When Tuchel took the England job on January 1, 2025, his initial 18-month contract felt like a trial period. The contract was extended by two years in February 2026, pushing his deal through Euro 2028.
Despite the Argentina defeat, the Football Association has signaled zero intention of making a change.
What comes next: Nations League as laboratory
Kane underlined the importance of upcoming Nations League matches as opportunities for development.
Tuchel has also had to field questions from all angles, including comments from US President Donald Trump, while keeping his focus on the squad’s trajectory toward Euro 2028.
Why continuity matters, and where the risks sit
Kane’s endorsement carries weight. He’s not just the captain; he’s the most prolific goalscorer in England’s history. When he says the squad’s culture is right, it matters more than any pundit’s hot take.