'Not happy with the performance' – so why do England keep winning?

Football tactics correspondent Umir Irfan examines why England are still winning games despite Thomas Tuchel insisting performances are not good.

England's recent run of victories under Thomas Tuchel has been accompanied by a curious refrain from the manager: he is 'not happy with the performance'. This apparent contradiction raises a compelling question: how can a team that is repeatedly told it is underperforming keep winning? The answer lies partly in Tuchel's exacting standards. A perfectionist by nature, he scrutinizes every tactical detail, from pressing triggers to passing angles. While England have indeed shown flashes of brilliance, they have also been guilty of sloppy possession, defensive lapses, and a lack of incisiveness in the final third. Yet, football is ultimately about results, and England have found a way to grind out wins even when not at their best. Key individual moments have often been the difference. Harry Kane's predatory finishing, Jude Bellingham's driving runs, and Bukayo Saka's creativity have bailed out the team on multiple occasions. Tuchel's tactical flexibility also plays a role: he is not afraid to switch formations mid-game, bringing on defensive midfielders to protect leads or adding attackers to chase a goal. This adaptability ensures England remain competitive even when the overall performance is disjointed. Opponents' tactics have also inadvertently helped. Many teams adopt a defensive approach against England, sitting deep and hoping to counter. This plays into England's strengths: set-piece prowess and long-range shooting. A significant proportion of England's recent goals have come from dead-ball situations or strikes from outside the box, areas Tuchel has specifically drilled in training. These 'non-symmetric' attacks bypass the need for intricate build-up play. However, underlying issues persist. The midfield often struggles to control games, and the full-backs can be exposed by quick wingers. Tuchel's public criticism is likely aimed at preventing complacency and ensuring the team addresses these flaws before facing stronger opposition. Against top-tier sides, such weaknesses could prove fatal. In essence, England's current run exemplifies the age-old debate between process and outcome. Tuchel's pragmatic approach, combined with individual brilliance, has created a 'winning ugly' formula. While effective in the short term, sustained success will require improving the overall performance level. For now, though, England fans can enjoy the victories, even if their manager remains unsatisfied. Looking ahead, the true test will come in major tournaments. If England can marry their winning habit with more convincing displays, they will be genuine contenders. Until then, the paradox of winning while being unhappy with performances may well continue.

'Not happy with the performance' – so why do England keep winning?

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