Thierry Henry has disclosed that Marcus Rashford was poised for a more significant role in England's World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, but manager Thomas Tuchel abandoned the substitution plan after taking the lead. England lost 2-1 to the defending champions in Atlanta, extending their trophy drought to 60 years.
Gordon's goal changes Tuchel's plans
Anthony Gordon, a new Barcelona signing, broke the deadlock shortly after half-time, putting England on course for their first World Cup final since 1966. However, Tuchel's decision to adopt a defensive approach backfired. Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez equalized under heavy Argentina pressure, and Lautaro Martinez scored an injury-time winner.
Henry, speaking on FOX Sports, explained that Rashford was set to come on just before Gordon scored. 'When you're on the bench as a coach, things happen so quickly. Marcus Rashford was supposed to come on just before Anthony Gordon scored. After Gordon scores then suddenly you go into a back-five which seemed too early,' said the Premier League legend and French World Cup winner.
Criticism of defensive shift
England had six defenders on the pitch by the time Argentina equalized, leaving no attacking outlet. Henry criticized Tuchel for going defensive too early. 'They went into a back-five too early. You don't beat that team [Argentina] like that. Thomas Tuchel, what he did wasn't bad. They just did it too early,' Henry added.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic echoed Henry's sentiments, saying, 'He was supposed to bring Rashford in and push on the counter-attacks but then they score and they go to a back-five. They had six defenders on the pitch at one point. Tuchel didn't play the cards right.'
Tuchel defends his decisions
Tuchel, however, stood by his choices. 'You can discuss this with a million coaches. I have to make a decision on the pitch. I analysed the match and I did it a certain way so that's my responsibility. In the moment, no regrets. The team gave everything and we were very, very close,' he said.
Despite the defeat, Tuchel praised his team's performance. 'We played one of our better matches, maybe our best match in the circumstances. The team was top, we couldn't get over the line but no regrets.'
Argentina's tactical adjustments
Henry also highlighted Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni's tactical nous, noting how he positioned Lionel Messi on the right to exploit one-on-one situations. 'They're the world champion for a reason,' Henry said. Ibrahimovic added, 'Scaloni kept pushing by putting in more offensive players. Martinez came in, in the end. So, the best team won.'
Argentina will face Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday, after Spain knocked out France.
