England’s World Cup dream ended in a 2-1 semi-final loss to Argentina, and coach Thomas Tuchel is taking heat for a second-half tactical switch that many say handed the game to Lionel Messi and co.
Anthony Gordon gave the Three Lions the lead, but Messi set up Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez to complete a comeback that sent Argentina through to the final. Fans and pundits pointed to Tuchel’s move to a back five as the turning point. He didn’t agree.
“They won every header. They kept crossing and crossing. So we went to a back five to close the gaps inside and be stronger in the air,” he told Fox Sports.
Tuchel admitted the calls would be judged if the result went the other way, but said the problems were there before any substitutions were made.
“Straight after our goal, with no substitutions, we just conceded way too many crosses and way too many chances. So we tried to help, but of course the responsibility is on the coach. And if it doesn’t go well, it’s easy to say that it was wrong,” he added.
As noted by England Football, England’s campaign ends at the semi-final stage. They’ll now play France in the third-place match, after Les Bleus lost their semi to Spain. Spain will face Argentina in the final — and young star Lamine Yamal says he’d love to meet his idol, Messi, on the big night.
