# Tuchel Downplays England's Defensive Weaknesses

> Tuchel says England's possession mistakes, not defense, caused their 3-2 loss to Spain.
- Title: Tuchel Downplays England's Defensive Weaknesses · Sky Sports
- Summary: Tuchel says England's possession mistakes, not defense, caused their 3-2 loss to Spain. Tuchel claims England's defensive frailties stem from individual…
- Keywords: thomas tuchel, england, spain, nations league, czech republic, world cup, lamine yamal, mikel oyarzabal, alex baena, sports, Tuchel, Downplays
- Source: Sky Sports — https://skysports.com/football/news/12040/13592651/england-thomas-tuchel-claims-three-lions-were-a-danger-to-themselves-in-possession-as-he-plays-down-defensive-frailties
- Author: Callum Bishop
- Published: 2026-09-28T19:45:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: thomas tuchel, england, spain, nations league, czech republic, world cup, lamine yamal, mikel oyarzabal, alex baena, sports
## Tuchel addresses England's defensive concerns
England boss Thomas Tuchel played down defensive frailties after their 3-2 defeat to Spain.

> It's not a concern yet
## England conceded nine goals in last three games
England have conceded nine goals in their last three internationals against Argentina, France and Spain.
## Tuchel blames individual mistakes in possession
Tuchel said England were the biggest danger to themselves when they had the ball during their loss to Spain.

> We suffered clearly from individual mistakes when we had the ball
## Tuchel's defensive assessment
Tuchel believes England's organized and active defending were at a higher level than in many other matches.

> I felt that in terms of organised defending, block defending and active defending, we were at a higher level
## Tuchel's comments on England's 'DNA'
Tuchel stated England's footballing identity is different from Spain and Argentina's, causing more mistakes in possession.

> I think ball possession plays a crucial role; it's maybe not in our DNA like it is in Spanish DNA
## England's upcoming Nations League fixtures
England face Czech Republic in Nations League Group A3 on Tuesday, September 29 at 7.45pm.
## Key takeaway

Tuchel claims England's defensive frailties stem from individual errors in possession, not structural issues, after their 3-2 defeat to Spain.