Tuchel’s tactics under fire after England’s World Cup semi-final exit
England led through Anthony Gordon, then lost to two late Argentina goals as Tuchel defended a 4-4-2 shape he said left him with no regrets.
England’s World Cup run ended in Atlanta Stadium after a 2-1 semi-final loss to Argentina, a match that turned on Thomas Tuchel’s decision to keep his side in a 4-4-2 shape after going ahead. Anthony Gordon put England in front in the 55th minute, but Enzo Fernández equalised in the 85th and Lautaro Martínez struck again in the 92nd minute to send Argentina into the final against Spain.
Tuchel said his side became “too passive” once they had the lead, and that they conceded too many chances, crosses and shots. He also said he had “no regrets” about the approach, insisting the problem was not structural and that the team stayed in a 4-4-2 shape rather than dropping into a different system.
Marcus Rashford and Ivan Toney did not come on until deep into stoppage time, while Ezri Konsa, Dan Burn and Nico O’Reilly were introduced after England had gone ahead. Tuchel argued that more attacking changes would not have altered the outcome, and England’s lead lasted only 30 minutes before Fernández finished the equaliser.
The teams have now met 14 times since 1951, with England holding six wins, five draws and three defeats, including one on penalties.
Harry Kane said England had given everything and called the loss a familiar story from previous tournaments. England will now face France in the third-place match in Miami on Saturday 18 July 2026, while Argentina, the reigning world champions, meet Spain in New Jersey on Sunday 19 July 2026.
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