Thomas Tuchel's squad selection and tactical choices have come under scrutiny after England's World Cup campaign ended in a semi-final collapse against Argentina, with players reportedly "puzzled" by his overly defensive approach after leading 1-0. Despite building his reputation on demanding intensity and a Premier League-style physicality, Tuchel opted for injury-prone players while overlooking creative options such as Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Adam Wharton, Morgan Gibbs-White and Trent Alexander-Arnold, leaving him with limited alternatives once his plan faltered.

Criticism has come from several former players, including Thomas Müller and Wayne Rooney, who questioned why England invited pressure from Argentina rather than using the pace of Noni Madueke, Bukayo Saka or Marcus Rashford to counterattack. Kobbie Mainoo, included in the squad, did not play a single minute even after Jordan Henderson's injury, while Saka remained an unused substitute. The Football Association has stood by Tuchel, with chief executive Mark Bullingham previously praising England's 2022 quarter-final run under Gareth Southgate despite it being an earlier exit than Tuchel's.