{“skip”: false, “title”: “Tuchel’s defensive tactics cost England as Argentina snatch stunning semi-final comeback”, “content”: “
England were 84 minutes away from a World Cup final before Argentina ripped their dreams apart in the most painful fashion. Enzo Fernandez drew the reigning world champions level with a thumping strike in the 85th minute, and Lautaro Martinez then headed home a 92nd-minute winner to send England crashing out of the semi-final — both goals assisted by Lionel Messi.
Anthony Gordon had given England the lead in the 55th minute, but what followed was a damaging tactical retreat. Thomas Tuchel’s decision to go defensive after taking the lead backfired spectacularly, with England managing just 12% of possession from the moment they went ahead to the moment they conceded the second goal.
Rather than pushing for a second, Tuchel introduced defenders Ezri Konsa, Dan Burn and Nico O’Reilly after England took the lead. Forwards Marcus Rashford and Ivan Toney were not sent on until deep into stoppage time — by which point the damage was already done.
Former England captain Wayne Rooney was damning in his assessment. “We have crumbled,” he told BBC Sport. “It started from the manager and the decisions he made. It was too passive. Against this team, the world champions, you will not get away with it. This has been the biggest test and we have failed it.”
Fellow former England captain Alan Shearer pointed to the gulf in quality that ultimately proved decisive. “The difference is hanging on against Norway or Mexico, they have not got the quality this Argentina team have got in terms of the ability on the ball and the ability they have to punish you,” he told BBC Sport. Argentina now advance to Sunday’s final against Spain at New York New Jersey Stadium, with kick-off at 20:00 BST.
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Image credit: BBC Sport / BBC Sport
