Thomas Tuchel Blames Fear and Lack of Hunger for England’s Euro 2024 Failure: Can He Turn Things Around?

In a brutally honest assessment of England’s disappointing Euro 2024 campaign, newly-appointed manager Thomas Tuchel has pointed fingers at the team’s mentality, accusing the Three Lions of playing with a crippling “fear” of losing and a noticeable lack of “hunger” to win.

Despite being favourites to lift the trophy, Gareth Southgate’s men fell short, losing 2-1 to Spain in the final. However, the criticism wasn’t just about the defeat but the uninspiring and cautious performances that plagued England throughout the tournament.

Tuchel’s Take on England’s Mentality

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Tuchel doubled down on comments he made during an interview with ITV, in which he suggested that England’s struggles were psychological.

“It was just my feeling. It was my feedback, and first of all, it was my impression while watching on TV—long, long before I even knew I might be in charge,” Tuchel explained.
“That was my feeling. I think it’s a pretty clear statement, and I don’t know how to put it in other words. I think it has to be the other way around.

“I want us to play with excitement, hunger, and the desire to win, and to enjoy winning.”

A New Era Under Tuchel?

Tuchel, known for his tactical brilliance and fiery passion, is set to lead England for the first time in a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Albania. But beyond tactics, the former Chelsea and PSG boss seems determined to bring a new mentality to the national team — one driven by boldness, excitement, and a thirst for victory.

Opinion: Can Tuchel Fix England’s Mental Block?

Tuchel’s words have struck a chord with many fans who believe England’s biggest challenge has been overcoming mental barriers rather than technical flaws. Under Southgate, the team had shown defensive solidity but often appeared too hesitant to take risks when it mattered most.

The good news? Tuchel’s track record of transforming underperforming teams into champions, as he did with Chelsea by leading them to Champions League glory, suggests he may be the right man for the job. His insistence on playing with excitement and desire could finally unlock England’s true potential.

However, it won’t be an easy task. The mental scars from Euro 2024’s disappointing end still linger, and Tuchel will have to be both a psychologist and a tactician to heal those wounds.

The upcoming World Cup qualifiers will be a litmus test for Tuchel’s approach. If he can inspire the Three Lions to play with courage and passion, England may just have found the winning formula they’ve been searching for.

But the question remains: Can Tuchel truly turn the page for England, or will the team’s psychological struggles continue to hold them back?