Tuchel let down England players with unacceptable changes in Argentina collapse

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Just when England finally looked to have overcome every possible sense of adversity they'd been faced with,

they decided to throw everything they'd worked so hard for

away.

Sixty years of pain rumbles on and this time you dread to think when the rawness of this gut-wrenching defeat will ever subside. It does not even sting. It's a numbness and a disbelief at what transpired in those final 15 minutes including stoppage time. If

England

had surrendered any further, they'd have been camped out in the foyer of the nearby World of Coca-Cola museum.

There is no getting away from

the fact the blame lies with Thomas Tuchel.

Certain aspects of his line-up were questionable but then looked to have paid dividends before a series of defensive changes invited copious pressure. That may have worked against Mexico but Argentina are a different kettle of fish.

Presenting

Lionel Messi

with time and space to work his magic was asking for trouble. And so it proved.

England have now been eliminated every time they have faced a top 10 ranked nation in the knockout stages of the World Cup since 1998. But if you're going to lose, you go out on your shield, not by gifting the opposition victory.

The early intelligence suggested England would be outnumbered in Atlanta but for the best part of 70 minutes, they were comfortable.

This was supposed to be the World Cup that priced out the diehard, match-going supporters. But if anything, this tournament has only underlined the absurd lengths punters are prepared to go to follow the Three Lions.

The past five weeks have gripped the entire nation, a testament to England’s bravery and endeavour because for 90 minutes - occasionally 120 - people have been provided with an opportunity to escape their troubles. It's hard to shake the feeling that the catastrophic finale against Argentina has clouded all of that.

Going the distance was Tuchel's primary objective; it is precisely why he was brought in to steer the ship and he has fallen short.

While there is also something to be said about creating a team that provides the public with a sense of belonging - this was no advert for character nor the importance of being bold and resolute.

The cynics will not hesitate to remind you that football is purely about glory but once the dust settles the memories of DR Congo, that magical night in Mexico City at the iconic Estadio Azteca and the resilience displayed to defeat Norway in the searing Miami heat will not fade.

None of those matches should be taken for granted as they still provided a sense of fulfilment when you consider four-time winners Italy did not even qualify, Germany and Holland underwhelmed and Don Carlo Ancelotti’s star-studded Brazil and Portugal were eliminated in the Round of 16.

Still, make no mistake, this was still a glorious opportunity squandered. England were always listed as one of the top-four tournament favourites but even in the weeks prior to the big kick-off, excitement levels were subdued by Tuchel’s squad selection and the omissions of Cole Palmer, Phil Foden and Morgan Gibbs-White. There was concern the handbrake was being applied but this electric, rollercoaster voyage has been anything but.

Until now. Because Tuchel opted to proceed with caution.

World Cups are also about the ride: having that nervy glimmer of hope at the pit of your stomach and waking up mentally jaded wondering whether it was all a dream.

For England, the road does, however, seemingly always has to involve ending in heartbreak.