Thomas Tuchel has strongly rejected the idea that he instructed the England players to become more defensive after taking the lead in the World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, according to reports. The Three Lions suffered a crushing 2-1 loss to the reigning world champions in Atlanta on Wednesday night.
England's Lead and Argentina's Comeback
Anthony Gordon had given England the lead in the second half after latching onto a Morgan Rogers cross. However, Argentina responded with late goals from Enzo Fernandez in the 85th minute and Lautaro Martinez in stoppage time to knock England out of the World Cup.
Tuchel and the Three Lions have been criticised for their defensive approach after Gordon's opening goal. But The Telegraph reports that Tuchel privately rejects the suggestion that he asked the players to hold onto their lead. Instead, it is claimed that Tuchel wanted his players to play higher, with the Football Association (FA) still believed to back the Three Lions boss.
Tuchel Defends Tactics
Since the defeat, Tuchel's future as England boss has been the subject of speculation. The German defended his tactics in the game, stating: "You can discuss this with a million coaches [but] I have to make a decision on the pitch. I analysed the match and I did it a certain way so that's my responsibility. In the moment, no regrets. The team gave everything and we were very, very close. We deserved to be up 1-0. We played one of our better matches, maybe our best match in the circumstances. The team was top, we couldn't get over the line but no regrets."
Future as England Boss
When quizzed about his future, Tuchel added: "First of all, the World Cup is not over. There is still a match to play, that we are not looking forward to so much but there is still a match to play. Of course then we keep on going. I have a contract until the home Euros and I’m looking forward to that even like now it is difficult to look that far ahead."
England will now prepare to face France on Saturday night in Miami in the third-place play-off, before the Three Lions squad returns home to begin their summer breaks.
