Some England players disappointed at tactics as Tuchel questions team’s DNA

England’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina has become a tactical battleground, with fractures emerging over Thomas Tuchel’s defensive approach and the squad’s ability to control games when leading. The 2-1 loss in Atlanta, which ended England’s 58-year wait for a men’s World Cup final, has left key figures questioning whether the team’s DNA aligns with the demands of modern tournament football. Behind closed doors, sources indicate frustration among players over the manner of the defeat, while Tuchel himself has conceded that England’s style may not naturally lend itself to dominating possession or dictating tempo.

Tuchel’s tactics under scrutiny after defensive retreat

England’s collapse in the final 35 minutes of the semi-final has become the defining narrative of their tournament. Leading 1-0, Tuchel’s side shifted to a back-five system, a tactical adjustment that critics argue handed Argentina the initiative. The shift in momentum was stark: wave after wave of Argentine pressure overwhelmed England, culminating in Julián Álvarez’s equaliser in the 35th minute and Lionel Messi’s 103rd-minute winner. Wayne Rooney, summarising the fallout, pointed to “the decisions [Tuchel] made” as the root of the defeat, framing the tactical pivot as a pivotal misstep.

Sources within the England camp have described a post-match debrief marked by “disappointment,” particularly among senior players who felt the team retreated too deeply into its own half. The debate centres on whether England’s instinctive response to protecting a lead—dropping deeper and ceding territory—played into Argentina’s hands. Some players argued for a more aggressive approach in the closing stages, pressing higher to relieve defensive pressure, but the tactical switch to a five-at-the-back system appeared to neutralise that option.

Squad tensions surface amid family meetings

The immediate aftermath of the defeat saw England players meet with their families in private, where the tactical frustrations reportedly surfaced. At least three senior players voiced concerns about the team’s approach during the final stages, with one camp describing a “definite sense” that the setup after going ahead contributed to the downfall. The criticism is not merely tactical but existential: certain players believe England’s inability to sustain pressure when ahead reflects a deeper issue with their footballing identity.

Tuchel’s post-match comments have only deepened the introspection. “It’s maybe not in our DNA… to control the game and ball,” he admitted, suggesting that England’s style may inherently struggle to dominate possession or dictate tempo. The admission raises questions about whether the squad’s tactical flexibility is sufficient for the highest-pressure moments, particularly in tournaments where the margin for error is minimal.

The Messi factor: a tactical masterclass

Beyond England’s setup, the influence of Lionel Messi cannot be overstated. Argentina’s talisman, operating as a free-roaming playmaker, repeatedly exposed England’s defensive transitions. The hosts’ tactical adjustments—shifting to a back-five—were designed to nullify Messi’s creativity, yet his ability to drift into pockets of space and link play ultimately undid England’s structure. The defeat underscored a recurring theme of the tournament: when England’s defensive organisation falters, even the most technically gifted opponents can exploit the gaps.

Tuchel’s substitutions also came under scrutiny, with certain players believing the changes exacerbated the defensive retreat. The timing of personnel shifts—whether to bolster the attack or shore up the defence—appeared to disrupt England’s rhythm, leaving them vulnerable to Argentina’s relentless pressing. The tactical chess match between Tuchel and Lionel Scaloni reached its climax in extra time, where Messi’s individual brilliance sealed England’s fate.

As England regroup, the fallout from Atlanta will shape their preparations for future tournaments. The squad’s tactical debates reflect broader questions about identity: can England reconcile their attacking instincts with the pragmatism required to win at the highest level? Tuchel’s admission about the team’s DNA suggests a reckoning is underway, one that may demand either a tactical overhaul or a deeper commitment to a style that prioritises control. For now, the disappointment lingers—not just for the result, but for the manner in which it was conceded.