Former England midfielder Nicky Butt has launched a fierce and expletive-laden attack on national team manager Thomas Tuchel following England’s heartbreaking World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina. The ex-Manchester United star asserted that Tuchel’s position is now indefensible after a series of questionable tactical decisions cost the Three Lions a place in the final. Butt has already identified two managers he believes could take over the role.

Butt demands Tuchel’s immediate removal

England’s quest for World Cup glory ended in familiar disappointment after they threw away a 1-0 lead against Argentina to fall 2-1 in the semi-finals. Anthony Gordon had put the Three Lions ahead, but late goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez turned the game on its head, denying England a chance to reach their first final since their famous 1966 triumph.

Speaking to Paddy Power, Butt did not hold back in his criticism of the German manager. “There’s no way he can stay on. Not a f***ing cat in hell’s chance after that,” Butt said. “If he stays on, John McDermott needs to be sacked as well. There’s no way you can keep him now. He’s not a Sir Bobby Robson or Kevin Keegan, someone that the nation loves.”

Concerns over defensive tactics and lack of identity

Butt’s criticism was centred on what he described as Tuchel’s overly cautious approach despite the abundance of attacking talent in the England squad. The former Manchester United midfielder argued that Tuchel, who previously managed Chelsea and Bayern Munich, failed to inspire the supporters and allowed Argentina to dictate play. Tuchel’s decision to bring on Ezri Konsa, Nico O’Reilly, and Dan Burn in a defensive setup proved costly.

“You’re talking about a manager that’s come in and played negative football, crazy negative football, in the semi-final against a beatable Argentina team,” Butt continued. “And it shouldn’t really matter, but people will go against him because he’s German as well, so he’s going to have a nightmare. He’s an unbelievable club manager, so just let him go. He won’t want to stay. He might say he does, but deep down he’ll be thinking, ‘pay up, I’m out of here.’”

Potential successors for the England job

As England come to terms with another World Cup disappointment, attention has turned to who might take over from Tuchel. Butt has suggested Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe and former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola as the leading candidates, though he admitted Guardiola’s availability could be an issue. Guardiola recently ended a remarkable 10-year spell at City, where he guided the club to six Premier League titles and their first-ever Champions League triumph. Howe, meanwhile, has revitalised Newcastle since 2021, leading them to two Champions League qualifications and a League Cup victory.

“If we were nine months down the line, I’d definitely be going for Pep Guardiola,” Butt said. “But Pep can’t leave Man City a month ago, saying he needs a rest from football, and then go straight back in. He can’t do that. Eddie Howe would be brilliant. I’d love him to go in, it’d be great.”

Pochettino linked due to FA ties

In addition to Howe and Guardiola, Butt also mentioned Mauricio Pochettino as a strong contender. The Argentine manager recently led the United States Men’s National Team to the round of 16 at the World Cup before a 4-1 defeat to Belgium. Butt cited Pochettino’s close working relationship with FA technical director John McDermott, forged during their time together at Tottenham Hotspur, as a factor that could influence the decision.

“Mauricio Pochettino’s got an unbelievable relationship with John McDermott and he picks it [the manager],” Butt said. “When McDermott was the academy manager at Tottenham, Pochettino was the first-team boss, and they had a really, really good relationship. I wouldn’t be surprised if that happened and I wouldn’t be against it at all. He’s a very, very good manager, a likeable person, plays good football everywhere he goes. But we all said the same about Tuchel, yet when they go into that England dynamic, they just change, it’s crazy. I can’t put my finger on why.”