England face Spain in the Nations League on Saturday, 73 days after their painful World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina in Atlanta, where they surrendered a winning position and lost 2-1. The match against the world champions comes as Thomas Tuchel continues to defend his substitutions in that game, blaming player fatigue rather than his own tactical decisions.
Tuchel's blame game
Tuchel has said that bringing on Dan Burn with nine minutes to play was a reaction to players having already decided unilaterally to bunch up in front of Jordan Pickford. He has also claimed that 99% of fans don't ask him about his Atlanta substitutions.
Analysis this week suggested the gassing out followed Tuchel asking players to run too hard in the group stage. A squad mostly coming off hard seasons in the Premier League could not replicate such energy in the knockouts, with their rearguard efforts against Mexico and Norway portentous preludes to facing Argentina.
Spain's strength
Spain, who teased Argentina to the point of losing their rag in the semi-final, would have likely done much the same to England in the final, as they did in the Euro 2024 final. Anthony Gordon, now playing in Spain, said: "We don't have that strength like the Spanish, where we control games like they do." His solution: "Play to our strengths, which is play physical, play direct football and on the counterattack."
With Tuchel unrepentant, England ready themselves for Euro 2028 as more of the same, starting Saturday with Spain.
