Thomas Tuchel insisted he had “no regrets” over his defensive substitutions but accepted England were “too passive” as the Three Lions suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Argentina in their World Cup semi-final.
Tuchel came under fire after England conceded twice late on against the defending champions, with his changes following Anthony Gordon’s 55th-minute opener described as “pure football cowardice” by our Chief Football Writer, Miguel Delaney.
Lionel Messi is into a second straight final and the defending champions have a chance to go back-to-back against Spain on Sunday, but for England and Tuchel, the inquest will begin as to how they managed to squander such a strong position.
Criticism from former players was fierce and even Harry Kane suggested England had to show more ambition, while Argentinian players celebrated beating England with a banner reading “The Malvinas are Argentine” in a reference to the Falkland Islands.
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Thomas Tuchel has ‘no regrets’ over defensive substitutions in England’s loss to Argentina
The Three Lions suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat in Atlanta, with Argentina pulling off a stunning comeback after Anthony Gordon put England in front.
England barely touched the ball after Gordon’s goal
It’s a horrible stat to have to see but between the 55th and 92nd minute England only managed to hold on to 20% possession.
Thomas Tuchel speaks out on his England future amid criticism over World Cup exit
Thomas Tuchel has confirmed he plans to stay on as England manager to Euro 2028, despite a disappointing exit at the hands of fierce rivals Argentina.
Before the tournament, Tuchel extended his contract through to the home Euros, which is being co-hosted by England, Wales, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.
And Tuchel said: “We keep on going with the contract until the home Euros. I’m looking forward to that even though right now it’s difficult to look that far ahead.”
‘We are all so proud of you’ – Prince of Wales praises England
“Gutted. England, you gave it everything and we are all so proud of you.
“Thank you to everyone on and off the pitch, for an incredible tournament. The fight and belief you have shown has inspired us all. The most complete England team in a tournament. Hold your heads high.”
Lionel Scaloni – what it means to the players.
“This group never ceases to amaze me. What these players demonstrate is incredible. After this, it’s very difficult to try to make people understand what they do on the field.”
“We are unique, and that’s not arrogance. The fans se are the ones who carried us to victory. This jersey demands it, give everything until the end, hold nothing back. They have shown once again that they feel this colours like no one else.
We were under pressure a bit, but the opponent doubted themselves. We smelt blood and went for it. We all felt it.
“There was a vacuum inside their goal. The ball went in after hitting the post twice.
“After England scored we showed a lot about our football. It’s more than tactics and playing pretty football.”
‘Getting Messi on the wing was key for us’ – Martinez post-match reaction
“It was crazy. I thought we played really well in the first half. We dominated them. We know how strong they are in set-pieces and how physical they are. I’ve played there for 16 years and I know them really well.
“We moved the ball well. They went in front with one cross into the box with only one in the box and they scored. We had the experience of coming back form losing positions. They started defending a little bit deeper and that gave us a bit of an advantage through the lines.
“Getting [Lionel] Messi on the wing was the key for us.”
‘They have the GOAT’ – Micah Richards on Messi and Argentina
“They have Lionel Messi. They have the GOAT. The greatest of all time.
“Moments. We thought it could have been Bellingham or Kane, but this is why he is the king. Remarkable what he can do.
“Walk around the pitch and then he comes alive when the ball comes to his feet. This genius comes into play and sometimes that is just the difference.
“With Mexico and Norway they didn’t have the quality on the day, but if you give Messi the time and space you will get punished.”
Argentina players celebrate beating England with ‘Falklands are Argentinian’ banner
Argentinian players celebrated beating England in the World Cup semi-final with a banner reading “The Malvinas are Argentine” in a reference to the Falkland Islands.
Former Tottenham midfielder Giovani Lo Celso was among those holding the sign as his teammates danced on the pitch after their 2-1 win over the Three Lions in Atlanta on Wednesday.
Political slogans are banned from being displayed on the pitch or on players’ equipment according to Fifa rules.
Tension had again been building before the match over the sovereignty of the Falklands, an archipelago in the South Atlantic Ocean, 300 miles off the coast of Argentina which have been a British Overseas Territory since 1833.
Hope remains for 2030…
Whilst there will be a number of players who will not feature at England’s next World Cup, Tuchel took an incredibly young and inexperienced squad to this tournament and it could be argued out performed expectations given the amount of criticism for he received for his choices.
But now, many of these players have experience in going deep at a World Cup and when they are in their primes at the next World Cup, will be able to serve with leadership and experience. Players like Bellingham, Saka, Rice, James, Guehi, O’Reilly, Spence, Anderson, Rogers and Gordon will all still be either under 30 or 31 come the next chance.
