Tuchel's defensive tactics questioned after England's World Cup exit to Argentina

England's World Cup semi-final hopes were dashed as they lost 2-1 to Argentina after taking the lead, sparking a storm of criticism over Thomas Tuchel's ultra-defensive tactics.

What happened

Anthony Gordon put England ahead in the 55th minute, but instead of pressing for a second goal, Tuchel instructed his team to drop deep. According to Opta data cited by La Vanguardia, Argentina enjoyed 88% possession from that point until Lautaro Martínez's 92nd-minute winner, with Enzo Fernández equalizing in the 85th minute. Tuchel made a series of defensive substitutions, introducing Ezri Konsa, Dan Burn, and Nico O'Reilly, and ended the match with six defenders on the pitch Source: lavanguardia.

Internal backlash

Reports from The Telegraph, relayed by Infobae, revealed that several England players were "consternated" by the strategy. Captain Harry Kane was reportedly moved into a defensive role, a decision questioned even by U.S. President Donald Trump: "Cogieron a su mejor jugador y lo mandaron a la Defensa" Source: euronewses. Defender Marc Guéhi admitted after the match: "Tendríamos que haber seguido presionando, tuvimos la sensación de que marcamos y luego la mentalidad fue retroceder y defender" Source: infobae. Tuchel defended his choices, stating he does not regret them and will stay on for the next Euro Source: hoydo.

Reaction from former legends

Ex-players were scathing. Gary Lineker called the approach "completely insondable" Source: lavanguardia. Wayne Rooney told the BBC: "Las decisiones que tomó Thomas Tuchel nos costaron la victoria" Source: emolcl. Alan Shearer added: "Tuchel jugó sus cartas demasiado pronto y le salió el tiro por la culata" Source: emolcl. Gary Neville and Ian Wright also criticized the defensive mindset Source: infobae. England now face France in the third-place playoff, while Argentina meet Spain in the final.