Harry Kane has defended Thomas Tuchel following England’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, insisting the manager will grow from the experience as the Three Lions prepare for crucial Nations League tests against Europe’s elite.
FIFA Chief Refereeing Officer Pierluigi Collina has selected Slavko Vinčić to officiate the 2026 World Cup Final between Spain and Argentina, while insisting modern technology has improved decision-making accuracy.
Bukayo Saka scored a hat-trick as England defeated France 6-4 to claim third place at the World Cup. Michael Olise set a new tournament record with seven assists, while Kylian Mbappé became the competition’s all-time leading scorer.
Spain will contest the World Cup final against Argentina while England face France in the third-place match following the semi-finals. The fixtures complete the tournament lineup.
The Three Lions secured their best World Cup finish since 1990 by defeating France in the third-place play-off, though their semi-final exit continued a remarkable pattern of eliminations by Italian-based players.
An expanded tournament format has generated a wave of viral moments, from a South African midfielder’s disbelief to an 85-foot Lionel Messi statue and a Ghanaian witch-doctor’s claimed curse on Harry Kane.
France coach Didier Deschamps has defended his decision to substitute Adrien Rabiot at half-time during the World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain, insisting the midfielder indicated he could not play freely while carrying a yellow card.
England’s World Cup elimination has highlighted the team’s continued struggle to retain possession under pressure, with manager Thomas Tuchel identifying Argentina’s ball culture as the standard required for international success.
England have been eliminated from the World Cup at the semi-final stage in Atlanta, with manager Thomas Tuchel facing criticism for his defensive tactical changes during the closing stages against Argentina.