The World Cup dream has been cruelly snatched away from England, leaving a nation in shock and dismay. But amidst the heartbreak, one voice of reason stands out - that of Wayne Rooney, who's throwing his weight behind beleaguered boss Thomas Tuchel, urging the FA to give him more time to turn things around.
The 2-1 semi-final loss to Argentina was a dagger to the heart for England fans, and many are questioning whether Tuchel is the right man to lead them forward. But Rooney believes that unless Pep Guardiola is available - and he's not exactly queuing up at the FA's doorstep - then Tuchel should be given the chance to learn from his mistakes and improve.
Reports suggest that Tuchel still has the backing of key figures within the FA, who are keen to see him take the reins for the next three years under a contract extension agreed just two months ago. But can he turn things around? Rooney thinks so, citing the fact that top managers learn from their setbacks and come back stronger.
"I don't see anyone else out there at the minute, unless you go and get Pep Guardiola," Rooney said bluntly on his show. "If Pep is available, then maybe you go and get him." It's a damning indictment of the FA's recruitment process, but Rooney believes that Tuchel's experience - albeit limited to one World Cup semi-final - will make him a wiser and more effective coach in future.
Rooney also highlighted the unique pressures of the World Cup environment, which can break even the strongest of managers. "It's not about being inexperienced or inexperienced; it's about how you respond to adversity," he said. With that in mind, maybe Tuchel will be able to channel his disappointment into a winning formula for England's next major tournament.