Thomas Tuchel was appointed to answer England's biggest question: How do you win? The 53-year-old and his squad are grappling with this as they begin their UEFA Nations League campaign and build toward co-hosting the 2028 UEFA European Championship. England secured their best FIFA World Cup finish in 60 years with a bronze medal, but only scant consolation after the semifinal defeat to Argentina. The Three Lions led 1-0 but collapsed, losing 2-1 in stoppage time through Lautaro Martínez's winner.

Winger Anthony Gordon admitted he may never get over it. England captain Harry Kane has endured successive European Championship final defeats and a World Cup quarterfinal exit. The manner of that Argentina defeat still rankles.

When asked why, he added: 'It felt like it wasn't us as a team... It's tough and it will still be tough.' England have spent years targeting a more sophisticated style through their 'England DNA' philosophy, but the collapse against Argentina betrayed this principle, suggesting they may have reverted to type under pressure.