Tuchel’s defensive gamble against Argentina draws fierce criticism

After England’s World Cup (WK) semi‑final loss to Argentina, manager Thomas Tuchel defended his decision to make defensive substitutions, but faced sharp criticism from England captain Harry Kane and former stars Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney. The match saw Anthony Gordon’s 55th‑minute goal give England a 1‑0 lead, yet England held just 12 % possession. "We have worked so hard," said England‑aanvoerder Harry Kane shortly after the lost semi‑final of the WK against Argentina. He added, "The boys gave blood, sweat and tears." The 55th‑minute lead came from Anthony Gordon, but after that goal the side of Thomas Tuchel lost the initiative completely. In the more than forty minutes that followed the 1‑0, England managed only twelve percent ball possession – an unprecedentedly low figure. De BBC analysts and former top‑players Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney said the defensive changes increased pressure. Shearer noted, "With six defenders (including defender‑midfielder Nico O'Reilly) on the field Tuchel played all his cards," and added that the gamble might work against Norway or Mexico but not against Argentina’s quality.

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Rooney argued, "After the first goal we did not go for a second. That was the gamble Tuchel took and it cost us the night." Tuchel defended his tactics, saying, "In other matches I have switched offensively, but by defending with five men I hoped to close gaps and be stronger in the air. We gave away too many chances." He also said, "I did not feel attacking changes would help. There are millions of coaches who think they know better, but I made this decision and take the responsibility."

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Rooney replied, "It was too passive. He reacted to what he saw the Argentinians doing, but they should have defended forward and set the tempo, which he did not try." The English backline, including the tall Dan Burn and Ezra Konsa, could not prevent chances or the equaliser that sealed the defeat.