Thomas Tuchel's England side crashed out of the World Cup in the semi-finals after a 2-1 defeat to Argentina, throwing away a 1-0 lead in Atlanta. The head coach, who had promised a high-intensity Premier League style, instead oversaw a tactical retreat that left players and pundits baffled.
Players puzzled by tactical capitulation
Some England players were said to be puzzled by Tuchel's decision to play defensively after taking the lead, according to sources close to the camp. There was widespread surprise that he did not use the pace of Noni Madueke, Bukayo Saka, or Marcus Rashford to hit Argentina on the break. Former Germany forward Thomas Müller was scathing about how Argentina were invited to attack, while former England striker Wayne Rooney, a BBC pundit, said Tuchel's tactics were 'asking for trouble'.
Squad selection flaws exposed
Tuchel took a risk by selecting injury-prone players and ignoring creative options such as Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, and Morgan Gibbs-White. The squad included six centre-backs but only one left-footed left-back (Nico O'Reilly) and four central midfielders. This limited his options, especially when Declan Rice struggled with neural pain in his hamstring and lower back. Rice is crucial to England's structure, but cover came from Jordan Henderson, 36, who had made one brief substitute appearance in five games before fracturing a wrist during celebrations against Mexico, and Kobbie Mainoo, who has not played a minute. Mainoo, despite being selected, was unused even after Henderson's injury.
Injury concerns haunt key players
Several England players were injury concerns. Newcastle defender Tino Livramento flew home injured. John Stones was rusty in central defence. Reece James, playing at right-back, had hamstring trouble and went down with cramp shortly before Argentina's equaliser. Bukayo Saka, struggling with an achilles injury, remained on the bench despite being a potential threat against 32-year-old Nicolás Tagliafico. Tuchel did not trust him when it came to the crunch, according to the analysis. Madueke, Saka's direct replacement, fell out of favour after the quarter-final against Norway, and Rashford was also cast aside after fitful early displays.
Missed opportunities and questionable substitutions
Tuchel's failure to use his squad effectively was evident. Ollie Watkins was given only one brief substitute appearance against Panama, despite Harry Kane having a poor game against Argentina. Ivan Toney was used only as a battering ram in emergency situations, not getting a sniff until England were on the verge of going out. Tuchel's favoured change when Rice struggled was to put James in midfield, rather than using Mainoo or other passers like Adam Wharton, who watched from home. Alex Scott and Myles Lewis-Skelly were also overlooked.
FA stands by Tuchel but damage is vast
The Football Association remains in thrall to Tuchel and is desperate not to make a change, but the manner of the defeat has damaged his aura. Mark Bullingham, the FA's chief executive, had previously said England's best performance under Sir Gareth Southgate was their run to the quarter-finals at the 2022 World Cup, even though it was their earliest tournament exit under Tuchel's predecessor. Now, Tuchel faces intense scrutiny, with some players questioning his negativity and others wondering why they were not given a chance. The fans are ready to turn, and the trust in Tuchel has been eroded.
