Sean Dyche refutes Tuchel's "England football DNA" argument, pointing out that Premier League players have no problem with ball control.

According to talkSPORT, Dyche stated that Tuchel's claims about England's football DNA are unfounded, as almost all of the Three Lions' players come from the Premier League, which has the highest possession rate in Europe and globally.

England lost 2-1 to Argentina in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals, and Tuchel's tactics drew heavy criticism. From Anthony Gordon's goal in the 55th minute to Lautaro Martinez's stoppage-time winner, England's possession rate was just 12%—only 1% higher than Qatar's nine-man team in their 6-0 loss to Canada. More remarkably, between the 66th and 84th minutes (18 minutes 37 seconds), England completed only two successful passes: a back-and-forth between goalkeeper Pickford and centre-back Stones.

Tuchel later attributed this to England's "football DNA," stating that "perhaps our DNA isn't inherently suited to ball control and game management, unlike Spain, Argentina, or Brazil." Dyche strongly disagreed.

"I don't think it's easy, especially for a manager facing such a result—he has to say something under pressure," Dyche told host Jeff Stelling. "But here's what I'd say: having spent so many years in the Premier League, I know it well—the Premier League has the highest possession rate in Europe and globally. So I disagree with the 'it's a DNA issue' argument, because the vast majority of players play in the Premier League. If you're playing in the Premier League every week with your team averaging 800 to 875 passes per game, how can you say it's a DNA issue?"

Dyche pointed out that Tuchel has been in charge for about 18 months and had ample time to address ball control if it were a genuine problem. "If that's the problem, as a manager and coaching staff, you have a responsibility to improve it. Of course, national teams have limited training windows, but if you've identified a problem, you should work on it. He said 'maybe,' which I appreciate—he's giving managers leeway—but I think it's a stretch. Ultimately, these players have been taught since age seven that possession is key, and they're perfectly capable of controlling the ball."

Dyche also acknowledged that England's World Cup campaign was inconsistent. "I wasn't very impressed with their performance earlier on. The Three Lions barely beat DR Congo in the group stage after a comeback, struggled to hold a draw against Mexico after a red card in the second half, and narrowly won against Norway in extra time thanks to a VAR decision. The semi-finals may have been a step too far."

"I'm not saying Tuchel is bad—I just think the team isn't as strong as the outside world believes. Finding ways to win is positive, but it wasn't dominant. Many say the team 'feels' better under him, but I disagree. I've said it before: compared to the Southgate era, there hasn't been fundamental change."

Dyche also suggested this World Cup may have been England's best opportunity to win. "Not because we're an exceptionally strong team, but because other superpowers aren't as dominant as they once were. France was unstoppable before, but their last match was shocking. The World Cup is never easy to win."

According to talkSPORT, the FA has no plans to dismiss Tuchel, and Tuchel has stated he will continue coaching. He previously extended his contract through the 2028 European Championship.

However, talkSPORT's Jamie O'Hara has called for Eddie Howe to replace Tuchel, with Howe long linked to the England job. Dyche commented: "I'm surprised about Howe—he hasn't reportedly been approached. I'm puzzled because he knows the players inside out and understands the Premier League, having worked his way up from the bottom to the top, which is remarkable. As far as I know, he hasn't been approached, though I'm not entirely certain."

According to talkSPORT BET odds, if Tuchel is sacked, Guardiola is the favourite to become the next England manager. Guardiola left Manchester City at the end of last season, concluding a decade of trophy-laden success at the Etihad.

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