The 2-1 defeat against Argentina in the semifinals of the World Cup 2026 left Thomas Tuchel at the center of criticism in England. The German coach, hired to put an end to decades of frustrations in major tournaments, is questioned for repeating the same tactical errors that marked Gareth Southgate’s time.
England took the lead on the scoreboard with a goal from Anthony Gordon, but gave up control of the match after retreating in search of defending the advantage. Argentina took advantage of the initiative, came back in the match and sealed their qualification to the final against Spain.
Tuchel, at the center of criticism
The coach’s decisions caused a wave of reproaches among former players and analysts. Wayne Rooney claimed that the changes introduced by Tuchel ended up costing England the game, while Michael Owen lamented the team’s lack of courage and maintained that the English team was superior, although they ended up deserving the defeat. Joe Hart, for his part, compared the approach to that of Gareth Southgate and stated that history repeated itself.
Tuchel assumed responsibility for the elimination, although he defended his strategy and explained that the withdrawal responded to the dominance exerted by Lionel Messi’s team in the last half hour. The coach recalled that criticism is inevitable when the expected result is not achieved.
Harry Kane also acknowledged that England locked themselves in too early, but avoided blaming their coach. The captain insisted that the group wins and loses together, highlighted that the team was close to reaching the final and assured that they still need to find that last detail that allows good performances to be turned into titles.
