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The way England’s journey to this World Cup ended was disappointing, but there are still plenty of good things to take away from the tournament.
I’ve commented on all of their games and it must be my most memorable moment. Their amazing victory over Mexico At the Azteca Stadium in the last 16. It was the best game of the tournament, in the best stadium and the best atmosphere.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen that kind of togetherness and team spirit. That’s why I described it as the best team performance I’ve ever seen from any English team, especially away from home. It makes me think that anything is possible from this team.
All in all, the players can be proud of their efforts as they overcame many hardships. When they failed, there was no desire to try.
What about after England? Well, Tuchel will lead the same group of players in next year’s Euro qualifiers – but I expect three or four changes in the next squad, because this one lacks balance and he wasn’t the one I’d pick.
One area of concern is the centre-forward position as Harry Kane turns 33 in two weeks time so I wonder where our forwards are clamoring to replace him.
But in general, I don’t look at the players that Tuchel has and I think they are far from what we want.
Whatever it is Saturday’s third round playoff game – Nonsense by the way – England will finish this World Cup the way they seem to finish every major tournament.
By that, I mean they look back with disappointment, and look forward with the same hope that next time things will be different.
Tuchel must also believe because the majority of Euro 2028 will be played at home and we saw how close we came and reached the final when we last hosted the games in 2021 – just two years ago.
There I go again, however, dreaming of glory. That won’t change until we finally cross the line – and all we know for sure is that we’ll be back to try again.
Alan Shearer spoke to BBC Sports journalist Chris Bevan
