England defender Dan Burn has defended the team's defensive approach in their 2-1 loss to Argentina, insisting they "shouldn't face massive criticism" for a gameplan that had worked previously. The Three Lions were undone by two late goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez, after Anthony Gordon had given them the lead.
Burn Backs Gameplan Despite Criticism
Burn argued that England executed their plan well until the 85th minute, when Argentina's quality told. "I thought that we nailed the game plan up until we scored. I thought we did really well," he said. "We knew what Argentina were going to do, and I thought we dealt with it pretty well. And then we got a little bit passive after the goal. Defended probably a little bit too deep."
The defender noted that England had successfully used similar defensive tactics to see out one-goal leads against Mexico and Norway in previous matches. Thomas Tuchel had turned to his defenders in those games, and the same approach was employed against Argentina. However, the world champions created numerous chances, with Burn admitting: "I thought it felt like it was a matter of time. I think we conceded too many crosses and too many chances."
Tuchel's Tactics Under Fire
Tuchel faced criticism post-match for being too negative, with many questioning why England did not push for a second goal. Burn countered that the team's defensive record in prior games justified the approach. "In the previous games we've defended those so well. So, I don't think that we can take massive criticism for going into that," he stated.
Tuchel himself defended his decisions, noting that coaches always cop criticism for changes they make, even if those same tactics had previously earned praise.
England's Tournament Exceeded Expectations
Despite the defeat, Burn expressed pride in the team's performance throughout the tournament. "Obviously, I'm very gutted right now, but I'm so proud of what the team has done," he said. "We don't even think anyone gave us a chance coming into this."
The defender admitted he believed England would reach their first final since 1966. "The brotherhood that we spoke about just took us a long way, and if I'm being honest, I thought we'd do it. I just had that feeling that this was our time, but I think Argentina showed why they're world champions and they've been there and they've done it," Burn concluded.
