England supporters were reportedly unhappy with Thomas Tuchel even before the World Cup third-place playoff against France got underway. The reaction showed that frustration around the England manager had already built up ahead of the match, with fan anger surfacing before a ball was kicked.
The game, often referred to as the tournament’s third-place match, was supposed to offer England a chance to finish on a positive note. Instead, much of the early focus appeared to shift toward the mood among the Three Lions fan base and their dissatisfaction with Tuchel.
That pre-match backlash suggests the pressure on the England coach had not eased despite the occasion. When supporters turn restless before kick-off, it can quickly become part of the wider story around the team, especially on a World Cup stage.
As a result, the build-up to France vs England was shaped not only by the fight for third place but also by growing scrutiny of Tuchel. The response from fans underlined how tense the atmosphere around England had become before the contest had even started.
