Thomas Tuchel’s tactics backfired against Argentina (Image: Ryan Pierse – FIFA, FIFA via Getty Images)
After the England national team lost to Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals, England’s senior players are believed to have privately expressed their dissatisfaction with manager Thomas Tuchel. The Three Lions were eliminated from the tournament with a 2-1 loss Wednesday night in Atlanta, Georgia.
The English football team looked content to defend their one-goal cushion after Anthony Gordon’s goal in the 55th minute, sitting in a low block and inviting pressure from a relentless Argentine attack. Considering the talent of the South American nation’s players, it ultimately never ended well and England ultimately regretted their decision. The defensive approach was further strengthened with the introduction of Nico O’Reilly, Dan Byrne and Ezri Konsa, with Tuchel at one point having six defenders on the pitch.
However, it backfired when Enzo Fernandes equalized with five minutes remaining, limiting Tuchel’s attacking options. After Lautaro Martinez’s superb goal in stoppage time, Tuchel opted to bring on Marcus Rashford and Ivan Toney in a desperate bid to restore parity.
However, by that point it was too little, too late as England lost 2–1. Following this result, many supporters immediately called for Tuchel’s dismissal due to his defensive tactics after taking the lead.
But the 52-year-old was equally quick to reaffirm his determination to keep his contract until Euro 2028. Tuchel is also reported to have dismissed suggestions that he had secretly instructed his team to defend deeper, claiming that he had instructed the starting lineup to “play high up.”
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England lost 1-2 to Argentina (Image: AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
However, a number of England’s senior players are said to have clashed with Tuchel over tactical choices. Sky Sports’ Rob Dorsett said: “I would say a lot of England players, and some of the senior players, are not happy with Thomas Tuchel’s decision.”
Meanwhile, the BBC reported that at least three players “privately complained” about their approach in the final minutes of the match. This comes after Tuchel identified England’s inability to retain possession as one of their most significant weaknesses in the semi-finals.
Afterwards he said: “I think possession plays an important role. It’s probably not in our DNA as it is in the DNA of Spaniards, Argentines and Brazilians. It’s about winning the ball and controlling the game and the ball, which is also a big issue.”
“But as with any structure, it was important to stay active and push through and fight duels… We just couldn’t do that. My feeling at this moment was that no structure in the world could help us because we were too passive. We weren’t physical enough.”
“We didn’t stop the runs that got into the box and our delivery was very good. Immediately after our goal, the momentum completely shifted with possession and chances and we dropped off dramatically.”
“We were too passive in our structure. Instead of being passive with the back five, I tried to be more proactive and try to help the wingers get out quickly and not open gaps between the back four.”
“We encouraged everyone to go out and be more active within the organization, but we just struggled. We had to get back on the ball, otherwise we can’t break the pressure and get our momentum back.”
Following this defeat, England will face France in the third-place match on Saturday night. Meanwhile, Argentina will face Spain in Sunday’s final as they aim to retain the trophy they won four years ago.
