England's World Cup campaign under Thomas Tuchel ended in semi-final defeat to Argentina, leaving a familiar feeling of what might have been. Despite reaching the last four, the manner of the loss—a 36-minute spell with just 12 per cent possession—exposed deep flaws in Tuchel's approach. The German manager's tactics, reminiscent of a Dunkirk-style defensive resistance, worked against Mexico and Norway but crumbled against Argentina's quality.
Throughout the tournament, England's performances rarely matched those of potential winners. They were brilliant in bursts—such as a 15-minute spell against Croatia and an epic victory in the Azteca—but also atrocious against Ghana and Panama, and fortunate against Norway. The inconsistency raised questions about Tuchel's squad selections and reliance on a core of world-class attackers.
Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane were pivotal, with Bellingham delivering back-to-back braces against Mexico and Norway and Kane scoring six goals, including a rescue act against DR Congo. However, when both were subdued against Argentina, England lacked a Plan B. Beyond them, Elliot Anderson emerged as a consistent standout, while Djed Spence's rise from scapegoat to star vindicated Tuchel's faith in physical, Premier League-ready players.
Criticism also fell on squad choices: Noni Madueke's inclusion ahead of Cole Palmer or Morgan Rogers was questioned, and Marc Guehi began on the bench despite strong form. Tuchel's tough-love treatment of Bellingham paid dividends, but the overall tactical rigidity and inability to adapt in key moments left England with 'one agonising regret'—the feeling that their spirit alone was not enough.
