Argentina players privately stunned by Thomas Tuchel’s defensive approach to World Cup semi-final

Open menu

OneFootball's home page

Settings

The Independent

16 July 2026

Argentina

were stunned by

England

’s response to taking the lead in their

World Cup

semi-final and were shocked by the defensive nature of

Thomas Tuchel

’s substitutions, having specifically prepared themselves for the introduction of pace in the second half.

understands

manager

Lionel Scaloni

was braced for the introduction of one of

Bukayo Saka

and

Noni Madueke

, if not both. Scaloni and his staff were aware that their side’s main vulnerability is when a game is stretched, leaving them vulnerable to speed in behind.

Argentina players remarked afterwards that they feared this exact scenario following

Anthony Gordon

’s 55th-minute goal, only to gradually realise

that England were dropping deeper and deeper

open image in gallery

Thomas Tuchel admitted a third-place play-off with France was not a fixture either side wanted (Bradley Collyer/PA) (PA Wire)

Scaloni and his staff were still preparing themselves for one of Saka or Madueke to come on by the second hydration break, but then saw how Tuchel was planning to introduce a series of defensive-minded players, further removing England’s out-balls and threat on the counter-attack.

It meant Scaloni felt free to go even more attacking - including bringing on match-winner Lauturo Martinez for left-back Nicolas Tagliafico - to eventually win the game in stoppage time.

Ezri Konsa came on for Anthony Gordon in the 72nd minute as Tuchel switched to a back five. Dan Burn and Nico O’Reilly then replaced Reece James and Declan Rice, respectively, in the 82nd minute.

It was only in the 90th minute, after Enzo Fernandez had scored a long-range equaliser for

, that another forward was introduced in Marcus Rashford for Djed Spence and Ivan Toney for John Stones.

also only had 12 per cent of the possession in between Gordon’s opener and Martinez’s winner.

On seeing Tuchel’s first change and its impact - with

enjoying more and more territory and chances - Scaloni abandoned plans to keep a defensive measure in store. The coach saw that he no longer needed a specialist left-back against English pace, so went for broke with Martinez coming on for Tagliafico on 81 minutes, and 62nd-minute sub Nico Gonzalez going to left-back.

Argentina's Lautaro Martinez celebrates scoring their second goal after

dropped off and invited pressure (Reuters)

England’s tactical decisions were a huge subject of discussion among

players amid their celebrations, with particular surprise at how quickly Tuchel went to five at the back and how neither Saka nor Madueke played a single minute in the match. The players had been reminded of the qualities of both at half-time.

It also seemed to surprise several

players, with captain Harry Kane even remarking the approach of trying to “hold on” to a 1-0 lead was “not enough at this level”. That sentiment was echoed by centre-back Marc Guehi, who said: “We should have carried on pushing. It kind of felt like we scored and then the mentality was go back, defend.”

The FA are nevertheless understood to feel that England’s elimination was not the fault of Tuchel’s tactical decisions, as they press ahead trying to win a home Euro 2028 under the German. Chief executive Mark Bullingham has privately expressed his satisfaction with the manager's overall performance.

There is a belief within the FA that Tuchel is also attempting to evolve some cultural issues within the team. One theory that has grown is how the players almost felt a natural instinct to withdraw, despite the manager visibly doubling and then trebling down on this. Tuchel signed a contract extension in February, that will take him to Euro 2028.

PL stars Martinez, Romero slam ‘stupid’ Neville after Argentina beat England at the World Cup

Football365

England 1-2 Argentina: Lautaro Martinez scores late winner as Three Lions suffer World Cup heartbreak

Evening Standard

World Cup SF: England 1-2 Argentina: Inter’s heroic Lautaro Martinez seals comeback victory

Football Italia

2026 World Cup: England vs. Argentina official line-ups, Juventus, Inter and Como stars benched

Argentina ready to start unexpected Serie A player in World Cup semi-final with England

Predicting which clubs the summer's biggest free agents will sign for

There are still some massive names who are set to become free agents in the summer, with some high-profile deals due to expire at the end of next month.As speculation...

Tottenham: Why James Maddison was not awarded a penalty against Leeds as Premier League issue statement

Spurs midfielder denied a big moment on his return from injuryThe Premier League has explained why Tottenham were not awarded a penalty in their draw against Leeds.As the clock ticked...

Bento's howler delays CR7's first title in Saudi Arabia 😱

An ugly mistake by Brazilian goalkeeper Bento prevented Al-Nassr from winning the Saudi League title this Tuesday.Cristiano Ronaldo’s team was leading 1-0 until the 53rd minute of the second half,...