New Delhi: England head coach Thomas Tuchel got massive criticism from several former English players after the national team suffered a 2-1 loss to Argentina in theFIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal on Wednesday. Wayne Rooney led the criticism by saying that Tuchel ‘s tactical decisions costed the Three Lions a place in the final.
England were on course to qualify for their first World Cup final since 1966 after Anthony Gordon gave them a lead in the 55th minute. However, Lionel Messi’s side responded fiercely with Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez scoring goals to help Argentina win another game and book a place in the final against Spain on Sunday, July 19.
The loss to Argentina immediately sparked a debate over Tuchel’s decisions in the game, with several members of England’s “golden generation” questioning why the Three Lions abandoned the aggressive approach that frustrated Argentina for more than an hour.
‘It was too passive’: Wayne Rooney.Wayne Rooney said that after England got the first goal they didn’t look to score the second and the decision that head coach Tuchel took costed them the game tonight.
“Once we got the first goal, we didn’t look to go for the second goal. The decisions that Tuchel has made cost us tonight. It was too passive. The gamble he made was to go with five at the back, which allowed them to dictate the game,” Ronney said while speaking to the BBC.
“Top managers counteract what is going on and don’t go even deeper. What they do is go more front-footed and try to change the tempo and rhythm of the game. I think he got it wrong,” he added. Rooney also commented that competing with the World champions was the biggest test, and they failed it.
‘Dropping deep allowed Argentina to get into their flow’Following Roney’s assessment, Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards also commented on England’s retreat after Gordon’s goal. He questioned Tuchel’s in-game management, saying that the Three Lions made it too easy for Messi and Argentina.
“When England scored that first goal, they should have gone for the second. Yes, you respect their quality, but dropping deep allowed Argentina to get into their flow.” Richards said.
Alan Shearer said that the better team won the match, and they fully deserved their place in the final.
England will now face France in the third-place playoff on July 18, while Argentina will take on Spain in the final on July 19.
Curated by Shriti Mazumdar
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