England's World Cup dreams unravelled in the cruelest fashion on Wednesday night as Argentina scored twice in the final 10 minutes to snatch a 2-1 semi-final victory. But the loss is now being followed by an internal reckoning over Thomas Tuchel's tactics.
Anthony Gordon had put England ahead in the 55th minute, and with 35 minutes left, a first men's final since 1966 was in reach. Instead, Tuchel switched to a back five, withdrawing Gordon for defender Ezri Konsa in the 72nd minute, then sending on Dan Burn and Nico O'Reilly. The plan backfired spectacularly: Enzo Fernandez equalised with five minutes of normal time to play, and Lautaro Martinez completed the turnaround in the second minute of added time.
“England players privately criticised Thomas Tuchel's defensive tactics after their World Cup semi-final collapse to Argentina.”
Privately, senior players are furious. BBC Sport understands that at least three key members of the squad have complained about the team's approach in the closing stages, believing Tuchel's substitutions and tactical switches exacerbated their defensive retreat. There is a sense among certain players that they should have had greater licence to press Argentina, rather than simply clearing lines and regrouping. ‘They could have been bolder and braver,’ a source indicated.
Wayne Rooney did not mince words. ‘It started from the manager and the decisions he made,’ the former England captain said. Cesc Fabregas, World Cup winner and now Como manager, agreed, arguing such defensive changes ‘invite pressure’ and backfire ‘80, 90 per cent of the time’.
Tuchel, however, maintains the system was not the problem. He lamented England's passivity after the goal, suggesting ‘it's maybe not in our DNA to control the game and ball’. He insisted he is ‘100%’ committed to leading England at Euro 2028, having signed a contract extension in February. The Football Association backs him, acknowledging the tournament's logistical challenges – 13 flights, heat, travel – and a tough draw that took in Mexico, Norway and Argentina.
Still, the question lingers: can Tuchel find the ‘extra level’ he admits they need, or has the DNA question already exposed a deeper fault?
