11d
11d
CRAIG HOPE IN MIAMI: There is no doubting Thomas. At least‚ that is‚ if you are Thomas. For
Tuchel‚ this absurdly bi-polar victory will be vindication‚ silencing the boos that tarnished his name before kick-off and the chorus of criticism that has followed him since Wednesday's semi-final defeat by
Argentina. He has delivered
England's best
World Cup finish since 1966. Not quite the second star he promised‚ but a first bronze medal. With the
German‚ it will always be his way or the freeway. But for those who have formed that mass choir of inspection in recent days‚ they too will see this as justification. Look what happens when you attack a lead rather than defend it‚ Thomas? For them‚ there will be regret. There will be anger‚ even‚ at a 6-4 win over the tournament favourites.
They will also point to
England's second-half collapse as evidence of tactical cowardice and an inevitable retreat. That is what this flash referendum on the country's head coach has caused amid the fallout of
Argentina.