England's World Cup campaign ended in a 2-1 semi-final defeat to Argentina, a result that has since triggered sustained fallout in English football, including sharp criticism of manager Thomas Tuchel and a diplomatic row after Argentina's players unveiled a banner asserting a claim to the Falkland Islands during their post-match celebrations. Despite widespread calls, including from prominent pundits, for Tuchel to be sacked over his tactics, the Football Association has confirmed it retains full confidence in him and he will remain in charge going into Euro 2028.

Tuchel has defended his selections and substitutions, arguing it is "easy to say" with hindsight that his approach was wrong, while critics such as Wayne Rooney, Ian Ladyman, Oliver Holt and Roy Keane have accused him of tactical timidity and poor game management, particularly around his second-half changes. The match itself was marked by high tension, with Jude Bellingham filmed appearing to slap Argentina's Valentin Barco, and England's exit was further overshadowed by scenes in Buenos Aires, including a raucous atmosphere, the England anthem being drowned out, and Lionel Messi's celebratory remarks that "England didn't want it anymore." Argentina went on to face Spain in the final.