‘Thomas Tuchel’s fightback was the most intense England press conference in 27 years’

It was genuinely one of the most intense and tense press conferences I have seen in 27 years covering England.

And that is because the fall-out from Wednesday has been huge. But then – even by England’s standards – it’s hard to digest when you go from having so much hope to feeling so flat and deflated.

That is what football does to you. It is, as they say, the hope that kills you.

Even US president Donald Trump has questioned England’s tactics and use of Harry Kane. “What do I know about soccer?” Trump said. “They took the lead, and they took their best player, and they put him on defence.”

But it is the way it has played out which has also been so fascinating. England blew it. The frustration and disappointment quickly turned to anger and recriminations.

Tuchel was held up as public enemy No1. The Football Association quickly put out a statement from chief executive Mark Bullingham saluted the team. They also backed Tuchel.

But that only ended up turning Tuchel’s future into more of a debate. Why? He has got two years left on his contract.

Then came the blame game. The players were definitely surprised by Tuchel’s substitutions. One source close to the dressing room claimed the manager had “failed the players.”

Tuchel’s remarks also caused raised eyebrows among the players and those close to them. That was deflecting all of the blame onto the players, suggesting they had simply not followed his instructions.

It is not in the FA’s thinking to get rid of Tuchel. They remained convinced he is the right man for the job and, if England were to beat France, they would finish third and that would be their best-ever World Cup campaign on foreign soil and the best since they won it in 1966.

But Tuchel does have a habit of being combustable and his exits from Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint Germain and Chelsea were pretty acrimonious.

So it would not be beyond the realms of imagination for him to quit. But it would need him to walk for there to be a change in manager.

The far bigger issue – and the biggest of all – is winning back the trust of the fans. And there has to be a question whether that is even possible. Few managers lose the fans – and get them back onside.

That is the battle facing Tuchel. Loyal England fans had been won over – then he lost them. They are genuinely angry and some want him gone. They see him as a busted flush.

Are we overreacting? Well, no. Even impartial observers think England have the best range and squad of players at this tournament. Mind you, they certainly do not have the experience and proven winners of Spain or Argentina.

Now, Tuchel has a big job on his hands to take England forward – and win back the fans.

Right now, John is in North America, embedded with Thomas Tuchel’s England squad, giving Mirror readers every single nugget of detail as the team attempts to win a first men’s World Cup in 60 years.

By signing up to his new Mirror+ newsletter you’ll get access to his deep analysis of the game, strong opinion and unrivalled transfer news service throughout the summer.

John will be calling on his network of sources and contacts from 27 years covering football to bring Mirror+ subscribers the essential read every week – taking you under the skin of the game like no-one else can.

Each week, subscribers will get exclusive insight, gossip and the chance to submit questions.

The football agenda never stops – and neither do we. Whether it is World Cup glory or more heartache for England, John will be ready to do it all again next Premier League season, only with even better access for you, the readers.

Make sure you’re signed up to our exclusive newsletters here.