Why Thomas Tuchel's England Defence Is Drawing Criticism
Thomas Tuchel has changed England's approach. The defensive solidity that used to define the team has not followed. The Nations League opener against Spain showed why, and the criticism has followed too.
Spain found the gaps quickly
According to The Guardian, Spain created an expected-goals total of 3.08 from open play and could have been four goals ahead before Anthony Gordon pulled one back. England lost 3-2. Two of Spain's goals came directly from England mistakes, with Marc Guéhi and Nico O'Reilly punished. The Guardian described the performance as sprightly but flawed.
That word matters. Tuchel has changed England's mindset after the limp and passive World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina. What he has not changed is the team's ability to control games.
The numbers behind the criticism
Tuchel has suggested that embracing chaos is the way to manage a team that lacks control. The results say otherwise. England have kept four clean sheets in 13 matches in 2026. Against Spain, the gaps in the back line were not hard to find.
Part of the problem is selection. Gareth Southgate knew his best defence: Kyle Walker, John Stones, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw. Tuchel has not found an equivalent. Trent Alexander-Arnold, now at Real Madrid, is the obvious case. Tuchel left him out of the World Cup squad and, according to The Guardian, does not trust his defensive acumen. The exact reasoning is not public.
The case for Trent Alexander-Arnold
The concern about Alexander-Arnold is understandable. His attacking instincts can leave space behind him, and Spain are exactly the kind of team that exploits it. The counter-argument is just as strong. England are not solid without him either. Four clean sheets in 13 games is not a record that can afford to turn down extra creativity.
The Guardian frames the question simply: what do England have to lose by trying? If the current setup is this fragile, leaving out one of the best passing full-backs in the world becomes harder to justify.
Why this matters now
The Nations League is the environment where Tuchel is testing players, partnerships and ideas. The Spain match offered the clearest evidence yet that the balance is wrong, or at least unfinished. The criticism of the defensive experiment is not only about results. It is about identity. Tuchel's England are more positive than Southgate's, but more exposed. Whether Alexander-Arnold becomes the answer depends on whether Tuchel can accept the risks that come with him. Right now, the risks of staying as they are look just as high.