The World Cup semi-final dream is over for England, and with it, a painful reminder of the team's ongoing quest for greatness. For the second time in three tournaments, they've fallen just short of the final, and the question on everyone's lips is: what if?
England's star-studded duo of Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham has been the driving force behind their campaign – between them, they've netted 12 goals from a possible 14. But for all their heroics, it's clear that England rely heavily on these two superstars to carry the team to victory.
The absence of key players like Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka has had a major impact on Tuchel's plans, with both men struggling with illness and injuries throughout the tournament. While John Stones remains a class act at 32 years young, it's evident that England's overall squad lacks that little bit of magic required to take on the world's top teams.
Time and again, England have relied on moments of brilliance from Kane and Bellingham to turn results in their favour – think those late doubles against DR Congo or the two goals against Norway. But this approach has raised concerns about England's ability to dominate games and dictate possession, a trait that Tuchel believes sets apart nations like Spain, Argentina, and Brazil.
Don't get me wrong; England have had their moments of brilliance – those thrilling wins over Croatia and Mexico will be remembered for years to come. But when it comes to taking on the best, they've consistently shown a vulnerability that's difficult to shake off.
The truth hurts: despite their valiant efforts, England may still lack the all-round quality required to win major tournaments. It's a harsh reality that will need to be confronted if they're serious about making progress as a nation. The question now is: what next for this talented team?