At least three senior England players have privately complained about Thomas Tuchel's tactical approach during the World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, according to BBC Sport. The complaints centre on Tuchel's decision to adopt a defensive formation after taking the lead, which ultimately backfired as Argentina scored twice in stoppage time to win 2-1.
Players criticise defensive shift
Anthony Gordon had put England ahead in the first half, putting the Three Lions on course for their first World Cup final since 1966. However, Tuchel made a series of defensive substitutions, introducing Nico O'Reilly into central midfield and switching to a 5-4-1 formation with six defenders on the pitch. England barely ventured out of their own half in the closing stages, managing just 12 per cent possession between Gordon's goal and Lisandro Martinez's winning header.
One source told BBC Sport: "They went deep too early." The quote encapsulates the feeling among some players that England should have remained braver instead of retreating. At least three members of the squad have reportedly voiced their discontent privately.
Tuchel blames English football culture
Tuchel defended his tactics after the match, suggesting that English football culture was partly responsible. He said: "I haven't seen the data yet, but I think just right after the goal the momentum swings completely and ball possession drops dramatically. We couldn't find any duels anymore, that's why we dropped deeper and deeper. It was never the plan, but it happened. We couldn't stop the runners from the second line, the midfielders, through our gaps, and the deliveries were on the highest level."
Possession statistics highlight dominance
The German manager added: "You need to get back on the ball otherwise you cannot break the pressure and you cannot get the momentum back. I think ball possession plays a crucial role. It's maybe not in our DNA, like it is in our Spanish DNA or in our Argentinian or Brazilian DNA, to take the ball and control the game with the ball."
England's dramatic collapse has led to widespread criticism of Tuchel, with many believing his defensive approach cost the team a place in the final. The players' complaints add to the pressure on the manager as England reflect on a missed opportunity.
