Lionel Messi has faced defensive strategies before, and England’s approach was nothing novel as they retreated with a chance to secure a spot in the World Cup final. Their negative tactics proved detrimental, leading to a decisive Argentina comeback in Atlanta.
This scenario felt all too familiar. After Anthony Gordon put England ahead early in the second half, they had an opportunity to advance, yet they reverted to their passive ways. The team displayed a lack of confidence, failing to maintain possession or assert control. Harry Kane? Absent yet again. The midfield? Overpowered by Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernández, who outmatched them at every turn. Thomas Tuchel? Outmaneuvered by Lionel Scaloni, whose substitutions shifted the game, while Tuchel hesitated to press forward when there was ample time to defend their lead.
This moment was anticipated as Tuchel’s opportunity to shine. The master tactician, a high-profile coach, was expected to succeed where Gareth Southgate had struggled. Up to this point, Tuchel had navigated the tournament successfully, making impactful changes in previous knockout rounds, and for a while, it appeared his decision to start Morgan Rogers on the right might pay off.
Rogers assisted in the opening goal in the 55th minute, delivering a cross that Gordon converted at the far post. However, after that, England faltered. They could hardly muster an attack, let alone string together passes. Incredibly, they seemed to believe they could withstand the pressure with a defensive strategy, relying on frantic clearances and facing numerous threats for over 30 minutes. Unsurprisingly, this approach failed.
This tendency to play conservatively against top teams is a well-known British trait. It was evident under Sven-Göran Eriksson at Euro 2004, where early advantages against France and Portugal slipped away, and it was a recurring issue under Southgate, who faced criticism for his lack of proactivity in crucial knockout games against Croatia and Italy after early goals.
The expectation was that Tuchel would change this narrative. He played a pivotal role in Chelsea’s unexpected triumph over Manchester City in the 2021 Champions League final. The German coach is known for his dynamic presence on the touchline, constantly strategizing, and it’s important to note that England’s uneven journey to the semifinals has been partly attributed to Tuchel’s astute in-game management.
However, England’s playing style lacked a clear identity. They struggled against teams that defended deep and produced lackluster performances throughout the tournament. Tuchel failed to orchestrate a cohesive display, and his team managed the situation poorly.
Following Gordon’s goal, there was an immediate change; a remarkable tackle by Djed Spence thwarted Giuliano Simeone’s attempt. For a moment, it seemed like England might hold on, but Cristian Romero forced an incredible save from Jordan Pickford, and Mac Allister hit the post. England lost their intensity, appearing disorganized and defending like an underdog in an FA Cup match, managing only 12% possession from when they took the lead to when they fell behind 2-1. Kane was relegated to defensive duties, while Jude Bellingham barely had an impact. Rogers made one break, but his shot was blocked.
With only one shot on target throughout the match, it would have been scandalous for England to advance against Spain. Argentina faced no real threats; there was little risk of being caught off-guard while pursuing the equalizer. The only surprise was how long it took for them to score, with Fernández finding the net from distance without any pressure.
England’s defensive performance was lackluster. Argentina took advantage of their aerial vulnerabilities, prompting Scaloni to sense a shift in momentum. He substituted a defensive player for a winger, bringing Nicolás González on for Leandro Paredes.
Argentina displayed determination while Tuchel exhibited apprehension. It seemed premature when he reverted to a five-man defense that had previously secured victories against Mexico and Norway. England was inviting trouble when Gordon, one of their few attacking threats, was replaced by Ezri Konsa.
Fatigue was evident across the squad. Reece James and Declan Rice, recently recovering from illness, began to fade. Tuchel kept opting for defensive substitutions. Nico O’Reilly joined Rogers and Elliot Anderson in midfield, leaving Dan Burn to mark Messi. The outcome felt inevitable.
These tactical decisions would likely have drawn severe criticism for Southgate and Eriksson. Tuchel effectively neutralized England’s offensive capabilities. He had the option to introduce fresher legs like Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, Eberechi Eze, or Noni Madueke, especially during a phase when both of Argentina’s center-backs were on yellow cards, yet he did not capitalize on that opportunity.
Attention will turn to the midfield selections. Kobbie Mainoo, a skillful player, was left unused. Jordan Henderson has a narrative about a broken wrist. There were no substitutes for Anderson and Rice when they showed signs of fatigue. Tuchel made his choices, yet he couldn’t explain his decision to select Mainoo over Adam Wharton and Alex Scott.
England’s fate was deserved. Bellingham attempted to advance the ball at 1-1 but was overwhelmed by four Argentine defenders. Extra time was never on the cards. Mac Allister struck the post again, and Lautaro Martínez, another substitute, headed in the decisive goal.
In added time, England sent aimless balls towards Burn and Ivan Toney. Emi Martínez claimed a cross and feigned injury, but it was hard to believe. Argentina’s goalkeeper had scarcely been tested since England’s goal. How could he possibly be cramping?
- World Cup 2026
- Thomas Tuchel
- England
- Argentina
- World Cup
- analysis
