‘Is this in our DNA?’ – Thomas Tuchel admits he may never be able to fix England’s biggest issue over lack of ‘heritage’

THOMAS TUCHEL has claimed he “doesn’t have time” to coach England how to keep the ball and claimed possession play might not be in their “DNA”. The German is preparing for England‘s first set of games since getting knocked out of the World Cup semi-finals by Argentina. England boss Thomas Tuchel has claimed keeping the ball is not in the team’s ‘heritage’ Credit: Getty England came under fire for going defensive in their 2-1 World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina Credit: Getty Tuchel came under fire in that game over his tactical choices having switched to a defensive set-up after going 1-0 up. After announcing his latest England squad, it was put to Tuchel that it was his job to help the players keep control of games. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! But the ex-Chelsea boss took issue with the question and said English fans wanted to see teams attack and entertain. He said: “I should be coaching them to keep the ball? That’s my job? I’m not sure that I have the time to coach them to (keep the ball). “I’m just wrestling with this myself because even if a team control matches in the Premier League, how many English players are there in these teams? “Is this in our DNA? Do we really value control? Is this something that makes us feel good in a match? Is this something that comes easy to us? “Do we even realise: “Oh, we’re controlling a midfield, everything is fine?” “I don’t think that an English supporter goes to a Premier League match and wants to see a controlled match and a 1-0 late win.” Most read in Sport BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK Tuchel said there was “no heritage of control” of building up play in English football and insisted fans wanted to see fast attacks. England put on a show for supporters by beating France 6-4 in the World Cup third-placed play-off and Tuchel said he wanted to see similar displays in future tournaments. He added: “I think deep down in the core, English players – and it’s a beautiful thing – and the spectators want to go for it. “Let’s go. Let’s play for 6-3, let’s play for 4-3. Let’s not play 1-0. Bring this ball into the box. Let’s play in the box. ‘I think there is no heritage of control around the middle line. No heritage of: “Oh, let’s do a deep build-up and then bring them out”. ‘It’s just like: “Okay, come on, let’s kick the ball into the opponent’s box and fight with them”. And this is what I feel now that I have a tournament as an experience.” England have upcoming Nations League games against Spain, Croatia and Czechia over the next few weeks and Tuchel has refreshed his selection. NINE of his World Cup stars are missing – including Noni Madueke, Ollie Watkins, Ivan Toney and Reece James. Comment now