Thomas Tuchel accused of single-handedly ‘f***ing up’ World Cup campaign by England star’s former boss

Barry Fry is still fuming that Thomas Tuchel “f*” up England’s World Cup bid by snubbing Ivan Toney. Fry launched Toney’s career at Peterborough before selling him on to Brentford six years ago. Ivan Toney was thrown on late against Argentina, but otherwise saw very little action at the World Cup Credit: Getty Thomas Tuchel was heavily criticised for his tactics in England’s loss to Argentina Credit: Getty Posh’s Director of Football was delighted when Tuchel called his former star player up for his World Cup squad. The appointment may have stunned most pundits but Fry knew exactly what an asset Toney could be for his country. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! But Tuchel ignored Toney, who now plays for Al-Ahli Saudi FC, for most of the campaign until the Three Lions had lost the chance to win another star on their shirts. The German gave the striker just two minutes action in the heart-breaking semi-final defeat to Argentina before starting him in the exciting third-place play-off against France. Yet the damage had already been done in Fry’s eyes after seeing the Three Lions throw away another golden chance of glory. “We f*” it up and there’s only one man to blame,” slammed Fry, 81, who rescued the career of Newcastle reject Toney. “Ivan was the only striker in the squad who was acclimatised to play in those conditions in the US and Mexico. “He has played his football in the heat of Saudi Arabia and has been top scorer for two seasons out there – but still he wasn’t used. Most read in Sport BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK Ivan Toney during his time at Peterborough where he scored 49 goals Credit: Rex “I was delighted when he was called up because I thought it was a smart move because I didn’t think Harry Kane could last 90 minutes in every game. “But Harry did better than I thought he would do but looked exhausted trying to defend in the second half against Argentina-but Toney was left on the bench until near the end of stoppage time.” Fry loved having Toney leading his Peterborough line because the player was a major asset at both ends of the field. Fry said: “Not only was he an excellent forward for us but he was my best defender as well defending set-pieces. “If he had come on against Argentina he would have upset their defenders and caused mayhem because he’s a f***ing nuisance. “He would have got one or two of them booked and maybe red-carded because that’s what he does. “But I felt for him because he didn’t get the chance to show what he can do, especially when England needed someone like him to hold the ball upfront. “Sitting back and allowing Argentina to have the ball was only going to end one way and Tuchel must take the blame.” Thomas Tuchel actually blamed English players DNA rather than his own tactics for the loss Credit: Reuters England were one step away from a European final Credit: PA The German, who blamed the players’ DNA for the defeat, has escaped the FA bullet and will lead the Three Lions into Euro 2028 on these shores. By then England’s record-breaking striker Kane will be approaching 34 while Toney will be two years younger. Fry added: “They had to keep Tuchel because they gave him a new contract before the tournament started-and I hope he gives Ivan another chance.” Comment now