NEW YORK – England manager Thomas Tuchel has come under fire after his shoddy tactics saw the Three Lions blow a lead to lose 1-2 against Argentina in a 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal showdown.
The much-hyped England took the lead in the 55th minute after Morgan Rogers set up Anthony Gordon, and for a moment it all looked as though a great piece of history was being written.
However, things turned out for the worst as Tuchel‘s lads immediately sat deeper in an attempt to protect their lead – a tactical shift that brought Argentina to life.
Argentina began controlling the tempo, and until the 80th minute it all pointed to one thing: that it was just a matter of time.
Lionel Messi found space on the right and squared the ball to Enzo Fernandez, whose shot went in for a goal in the 85th minute – it was 1-1 between England and Argentina in this epic tie.
After conceding, the already exhausted Three Lions looked poised for an extra-time contest with 9 minutes added time but capitulated just after two minutes when striker Lautaro Martinez scored.
Messi provided the assist again as reigning champions Argentina book a final berth, this time against 2010 World Cup winners Spain.
At full time, it was England 1-2 Argentina, which means it’s not coming home again, and most obviously daggers are out for Tuchel.
The German tactician’s decision to park the bus did not amuse a lot of Three Lions fans, but Tuchel insists his boys gave it their all.
“I have zero regrets. We played one of our best matches, maybe the best,” said Tuchel after the match.
