England manager Thomas Tuchel defended his tactical decisions following his side’s dramatic 2-1 semi-final defeat to Argentina, insisting he had “no regrets” despite the late collapse that ended their World Cup final hopes.
England led through Anthony Gordon in the second half at Atlanta Stadium, but Argentina mounted a comeback with goals from Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez, both assisted by Lionel Messi. The loss extended England’s wait for a first major trophy since 1966.
Tuchel acknowledged his team became too passive after taking the lead. “We’re disappointed, but we got too passive after we scored and conceded a lot of chances and could not turn the ball possession around,” he said.
He rejected criticism of his substitutions, which were intended to counter Argentina’s attacking threat. “As soon as you lose, you get criticised,” Tuchel added. “I have no regrets over my tactical choices.”
England will now face France in the third-place play-off, with questions already emerging over Tuchel’s long-term future despite their consistent semi-final appearances.
