Thomas Tuchel brutally booed as England fans air frustrations vs France | Football | Sport

Thomas Tuchel appeared to be subjected to boos by England fans prior to their World Cup third-place play-off clash with France. Jeers could be heard after the underfire Three Lions head coach was shown on screens in the Miami Stadium on Saturday.

The inquest continues after the 52-year-old witnessed his side dramatically collapse during the semi-final defeat to Argentina on Wednesday. Anthony Gordon had given them the lead but in the dying embers, having weathered an onslaught from the defending champions, they scored twice late on through Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez. Tuchel is facing immense scrutiny, despite signing a new long-term deal on the eve of the tournament, due to the manner of England’s hopes being extinguished.

The travelling England contingent inside the Miami stadium made their feelings abundantly clear ahead of the third-place play-off against France. It amounted to a fierce backlash directed at Tuchel in the aftermath of England’s semi-final elimination at the hands of Argentina on Wednesday night.

The stadium announcer read out the names of both squads, each greeted with cheers — until it came to Tuchel, at which point the atmosphere shifted dramatically. The jeering was loud and unmistakable, and it will serve as a stark warning to both the FA and Tuchel about the public’s current sentiment.

Following Saturday’s bronze match with Didier Deschamps’ side, the focus will turn to the European Championships in two years. England will co-host the tournament alongside Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland.

The reality of the fan opinion was laid bare in Miami on Saturday. But the furore was replaced by temporary joy as England raced into a two-goal lead thanks to efforts from Declan Rice and Ezri Konsa.

In the build-up to Saturday’s game, with pressure looming on Tuchel, he put on a united and defiant front. The German said: “I would like to make my own picture.

“I think it is strong statement that you give here and be the advocate for half of the country being against me or a split country. Let’s wait for that. What’s the question? It will never change my thinking if I would like to carry on.”