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‘Cowardly’ Thomas Tuchel blasted for ‘coaching catastrophe’ in England’s World Cup capitulation: Football legends lead outrage at Three Lions’ manager’s tactics after heartbreaking exit to Argentina
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37'
Yellow card Elliot ANDERSON (England) is booked by
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42'
Yellow card Lisandro MARTINEZ (Argentina) is booked by
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51'
Yellow card Cristian ROMERO (Argentina) is booked by
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55'
Goal Anthony GORDON (England) scores!!
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85'
Goal Enzo FERNANDEZ (Argentina) scores!!
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90'+2'
Goal Lautaro MARTINEZ (Argentina) scores!!
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Yellow card Rodrigo DE PAUL (Argentina) is booked
England squad
- Selected
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1 Jordan PICKFORD Goalkeeper
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4 Declan RICE Midfielder
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5 John STONES Defender
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6 Marc GUEHI Defender
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8 Elliot ANDERSON Midfielder
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9 Harry KANE C Forward
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10 Jude BELLINGHAM Midfielder
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17 Morgan ROGERS Midfielder
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18 Anthony GORDON Forward
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24 Reece JAMES Defender
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25 Djed SPENCE Defender
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2 Ezri KONSA Defender
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3 Nico OREILLY Defender
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7 Bukayo SAKA Forward
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11 Marcus RASHFORD Forward
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12 Trevoh CHALOBAH Defender
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13 Dean Henderson Goalkeeper
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14 Jordan HENDERSON Midfielder
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15 Dan BURN Defender
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16 Kobbie MAINOO Midfielder
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19 Ollie WATKINS Forward
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20 Noni MADUEKE Forward
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21 Eberechi EZE Midfielder
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22 Ivan TONEY Forward
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23 James TRAFFORD Goalkeeper
- Full squad
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26 Jarell QUANSAH Defender
Argentina squad
- Selected
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3 Nicolas TAGLIAFICO Defender
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5 Leandro PAREDES Midfielder
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6 Lisandro MARTINEZ Defender
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9 Julian ALVAREZ Forward
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10 Lionel MESSI C Forward
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13 Cristian ROMERO Defender
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17 Giuliano SIMEONE Forward
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20 Alexis MAC ALLISTER Midfielder
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23 Emiliano MARTINEZ Goalkeeper
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24 Enzo FERNANDEZ Midfielder
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26 Nahuel MOLINA Defender
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1 Juan MUSSO Goalkeeper
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2 Marcos SENESI Defender
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4 Gonzalo MONTIEL Defender
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7 Rodrigo DE PAUL Midfielder
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8 Valentin BARCO Midfielder
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11 Giovani Lo Celso Midfielder
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12 Geronimo RULLI Goalkeeper
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14 Exequiel PALACIOS Midfielder
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15 Nico GONZALEZ Midfielder
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16 Thiago ALMADA Forward
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18 Nico PAZ Forward
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19 Nicolas OTAMENDI Defender
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21 Jose Manuel LOPEZ Forward
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22 Lautaro MARTINEZ Forward
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25 Facundo MEDINA Defender
Thomas Tuchel has come under fierce criticism from former England players and pundits after his tactical decisions were blamed for the Three Lions' 2-1 World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina. Critics, including journalist Ian Ladyman, said the German manager's changes during the match left England "out of ideas" and doomed them to lose, accusing him of reverting to the cautious habits for which his predecessor Gareth Southgate was often criticised. The row is significant because it raises fresh questions over Tuchel's tactical approach and his previous claim that England had played with "fear" under Southgate, a remark now being used against him.
Several ex-England stars and commentators tore into Tuchel's game plan following the match, while he has defended himself, insisting it is "easy" for critics to say afterwards that his approach was wrong. Despite the backlash and calls from some quarters for him to be sacked, the Football Association is reported to be retaining full confidence in Tuchel and he is set to stay on as manager. Separately, questions have also been raised over whether Argentina goalscorer Enzo Fernandez should have been sent off for an elbow early in the match, adding to fans' frustration at the manner of England's exit.
In short
- Tuchel criticised by pundits over tactics in 2-1 defeat to Argentina
- Critics say his changes left England "out of ideas"
- FA reportedly retains confidence in Tuchel despite World Cup exit
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Tuchel's in-match tactical adjustments merit scrutiny because they appear to have diminished England's attacking coherence at a critical moment, particularly given his earlier public criticism of Southgate for excessive caution. Critics argue that a manager of his calibre should have maintained the system that was working or made changes that built upon England's strengths rather than reverting to the defensive approach he had previously questioned, and that the loss represents a tactical opportunity missed rather than an unavoidable outcome.
The case against
Tuchel's position that critique is easier in retrospect holds weight; managing in a World Cup semi-final involves split-second decisions under intense pressure where reasonable tactical choices frequently fail to produce the desired outcome. His defenders note that football decisions rarely have guaranteed results, that the FA's continued confidence suggests the broader picture supports his stewardship, and that singling out one match's tactical calls whilst ignoring overall performance or the role of chance (including the disputed elbow incident) amounts to unfair hindsight judgment.
Explained simply
England lost to Argentina 2-1 in a semi-final of the World Cup, one of football's most prestigious tournaments. Manager Thomas Tuchel, appointed earlier this year, is facing criticism from former players and commentators who believe his tactical decisions cost England a place in the final.
Tuchel made substitutions and positional changes as the match progressed, which critics argue left England disorganised and without a clear plan. The criticism has particular resonance because Tuchel recently claimed that his predecessor Gareth Southgate had made the team play with excessive caution, a complaint that some now feel applies to his own management. This raises broader questions about whether Tuchel can deliver the different style of football he promised.
Despite the backlash and some calls for his removal, the Football Association has said it retains confidence in Tuchel and will keep him as manager. Tuchel has defended his decisions, arguing that it is easy for critics to judge tactics after the match. Some have also raised questions about whether an Argentina player should have been sent off earlier in the match for a foul.
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