England squad debates Tuchel’s tactics after World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina

By Noah Lavoie — 17 July 2026 — 5 min read

Following England’s 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the World Cup semi-final, discussions have emerged within Thomas Tuchel’s squad regarding the team’s tactical approach in the latter stages of the match. Several sources indicate that key players expressed disappointment with how the team managed the final minutes of the game.

England had taken a 1-0 lead with 35 minutes remaining, seemingly on track for their first men’s World Cup final appearance since 1966. However, the momentum shifted significantly as Argentina intensified their pursuit of an equalizer. The team’s decision to adopt a more defensive posture has drawn criticism.

Manager Thomas Tuchel set up his team with a back-five to defend the lead, a strategy that ultimately saw Argentina overturn the scoreline. Former player and pundit Wayne Rooney attributed the defeat to the manager and his decisions. Players reportedly felt that the team dropped too deep too early in the match.

After the match in Atlanta, players reportedly discussed the team’s setup after taking the lead, with a consensus forming among some that it contributed to their downfall. While ceding ground when defending a lead can be a natural instinct, certain players believe that Tuchel’s tactical changes and substitutions exacerbated this defensive retreat.

Some players felt they should have been given more freedom to press the ball in the closing stages, aiming to push Argentina further from their goal and provide some relief for the defenders. Instead, the team resorted to clearing lines and regrouping defensively, a tactic that not all players agreed with. There is a sense among some that a bolder approach, balancing defensive solidity with an offensive threat, could have been more effective.

Tuchel, however, stated that dropping deeper was never the intended plan. He explained that after England scored, the momentum shifted dramatically, leading to a more passive structure. He tried to counteract this by encouraging players to be more active and quicker to engage wingers, rather than allowing gaps to open up in the defence.

“We couldn’t find any duels any more which was why we dropped deeper and deeper, which was never the plan but it happened,” Tuchel said. He emphasized the importance of ball possession to break pressure and regain momentum. He also commented on England’s “DNA” regarding ball control, suggesting it might differ from that of teams like Argentina.

Tuchel’s appointment was made with the expectation that he would guide England to a major trophy, building on previous successes under Gareth Southgate. However, the perception among some players that his strategy in Atlanta was flawed could influence the team dynamic as they head into the European Championship qualifying campaign.

Muller’s perspective on England’s tactics

Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Thomas Muller also voiced his criticism of England’s tactics, particularly after they surrendered their lead. Muller, who previously played under Tuchel at Bayern Munich, expressed confusion over England’s approach, especially after going ahead.

“I cannot understand to invite the whole Argentinean game to hit one cross after the other in perfect crossing positions, but no matter,” Muller stated. He suggested that England invited pressure by allowing Argentina to deliver numerous crosses rather than attempting to control possession.

After Anthony Gordon’s goal in the 55th minute, Argentina dominated possession, controlling 88 per cent of the ball for the remainder of the match. Enzo Fernández equalized in the 85th minute, and Lautaro Martínez scored the winning goal from a Lionel Messi cross in stoppage time.

Tuchel acknowledged his tactical changes, including introducing defenders Dan Burn and Nico O’Reilly to protect the lead. He explained that the shift to a back five was intended to close gaps and strengthen aerial defence. “Straight after our goal, with no substitutions, we just conceded way too many crosses and way too many chances. So we tried to help. But of course the responsibility is on the coach,” Tuchel said.

Muller, a World Cup winner with Germany in 2014, made these comments in a video posted on social media. He is currently serving as a commentator for Magenta TV at this year’s World Cup, having retired from international football in 2024.

Messi’s impact and tactical adjustments

Before the match, Tuchel would have considered various scenarios, including how to manage Lionel Messi. For the first hour, Messi’s involvement in dangerous areas was largely limited, with data indicating that England successfully contained him. His only possession in the centre of the penalty area was intercepted by an Elliot Anderson tackle shortly after Anthony Gordon’s goal.

Messi’s heat map showed his primary activity in his usual area: the right half-space in front of the opposition’s penalty area. While England had planned for this, a subtle shift occurred in the second half. Messi began to operate more from the flank between the edge of the penalty box and the touchline, attempting six open-play crosses from this region.

This was a notably high number for Messi, who typically averages 2.3 crosses per 90 minutes in league football since 2015. One of these deliveries led to a header from Nico González, which Jordan Pickford saved. This moment may have influenced Tuchel’s decision to bring on Ezri Konsa and later Dan Burn, switching to a back five.

The strategy of using a back five had been effective against Mexico, but Messi’s crossing ability proved to be a different challenge. His cross for Lautaro Martínez’s winning goal generated a high xG value, surpassing England’s total for the entire match. This assist marked only his second World Cup assist with his right foot, highlighting the significance of this decisive moment.

The Football Association will conduct a review of England’s performance at the tournament once the team returns home after their bronze medal match against France on Saturday.

Source: bbc.com