Michael Owen believes Thomas Tuchel was right to identify flaws in England's performance against Norway, but maintains the team can elevate their play for their World Cup semi-final against Argentina.
Tuchel's comments, which praised England's mentality and resilience while questioning their overall play, have drawn a notable response from midfielder Jude Bellingham. However, Owen suggests that players would not be bothered by criticism of performance levels, only by attacks on their attitude.
"If I'm sitting in the England dressing room, I wouldn’t be bothered in the slightest by Thomas Tuchel questioning our performance after the win over Norway," Owen stated. "First, he was right. Second, players only get upset when a manager questions their attitude. That’s personal."
Owen acknowledged that Bellingham's "spiky" reaction was understandable given the context. "You’ve just covered seven and a half miles in Miami humidity. You’ve scored the goals that have taken your country into a World Cup semi-final. Your body is exhausted, your emotions are everywhere and the first question you’re asked is whether your manager thinks you played well enough," he explained. Owen advised Tuchel to accept Bellingham's response and defer any deeper discussion until after the tournament.
Reflecting on the Norway match, Owen conceded that England were outplayed for significant periods. "England were played off the park by Norway and the performance was as bad as I feared," he admitted. Despite this, he dismissed the notion that England must resort to "winning ugly."
Owen anticipates a different challenge against Argentina, the reigning world champions. "As reigning world champions and with Lionel Messi in their team Argentina will go on the attack, which should suit England as they throw bodies forwards," he said.
He believes the semi-final will demand more from the entire England squad. "I believe we will see another level again to Bellingham in Atlanta and Harry Kane is a guarantee, but can England's wingers chip in with some goals and can the midfield keep the ball?" Owen questioned. He is confident that top players, like Bellingham, often rise to the occasion of big matches.
Owen concluded that Tuchel's criticism was not meant to be discouraging but rather a challenge. "His players didn’t need protecting. They needed reminding that there is another level. Criticism isn’t always a warning. Sometimes it’s a challenge. England can answer that against Argentina."