“As soon as you lose, you are criticized”: Thomas Tuchel after the
By OnzeActu · · 5 min read

Despite Anthony Gordon opening the scoring, England conceded Enzo Fernández's equalizer (85') then Lautaro Martínez's winning goal in extra time. Tuchel takes responsibility but disputes the idea that his substitutions were a mistake.
According to Soccernews.
Context
Thomas Tuchel, as England coach, faces increased pressure after this defeat. His defensive strategy, which failed to maintain the advantage, raises questions about his ability to manage crucial matches. As England look to the future, Tuchel's decisions will be closely scrutinized, especially with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon.
Why it matters
England's defeat in the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup has significant repercussions on the future of the team and its coach, Thomas Tuchel. Controversial tactical choices, including defensive substitutions, have drawn criticism, highlighting the challenges coaches face when trying to protect an advantage. This meeting could also influence the upcoming season for the players, as they prepare for club competitions and the next World Cup.
Key points
- “As soon as you lose, you are criticized”: Thomas Tuchel after.
- Despite Anthony Gordon opening the scoring, England conceded Enzo Fernández's equalizer (85') then Lautaro Martínez's winning goal in extra time.
- "As soon as you lose, you get criticized" - England boss Thomas Tuchel following World Cup semifinal defeat (Video).
England's defeat against Argentina in the semi-final of the World Cup opened a vast controversy around the tactical choices and substitutions made by Thomas Tuchel. After Anthony Gordon's opener (55th), Tuchel's team became more defensive, several changes having been made to lock in the result. This approach, described by some as "burying the bus", did not hold: Enzo Fernández found the equalizer in the 85th minute, before Lautaro Martínez propelled Argentina into the final with a header in the second minute of added time. The two actions that led to the goals were built with assists from Lionel Messi.
Criticism quickly swirled around the English coach. Questioned after the match, Tuchel did not deny the fire of the comments: “As soon as you lose, you are criticized,” he said. The technician clarified that he did not think he had made a mistake in his changes but that he took responsibility for the decisions made during the meeting. This is a point that Tuchel repeated without denying the disappointment of the moment, aware of the expectations linked to a meeting of this magnitude.
Sportingly, the match illustrates the classic dilemma faced by coaches after taking the lead: seek to protect the score by tightening the team or maintain an offensive approach to maintain the pressure. In this specific case, the defensive strategy did not resist the Argentine comeback, orchestrated by Messi and sealed by Fernández and Martínez.
Image
For England, the end of this World Cup is bitter. The cruel scenario – a goal conceded in added time – rekindles debates on tactical choices but also on the management of spaces and defensive transitions in the final minutes. On the Argentinian side, the victory allows the selection to qualify for the final of the tournament, supported by its executives who made the difference at the decisive moment.
Beyond the result, this defeat poses questions for the future: Tuchel's trajectory at the head of England, the way of approaching the end of the match and the balance between prudence and ambition. For now, the English football club must digest this disillusionment while Argentina pursues its world dream.
Image: Thomas Tuchel at a press conference after the semi-final.
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The rest
Following this defeat, England will have to rebuild and analyze their performances to improve their approach for the 2026 World Cup. Thomas Tuchel, while assuming his choices, will also have to work on match management to avoid repeating the same mistakes. Players, notably Anthony Gordon and those who shone at this tournament, will need to focus on their clubs to ensure a good season and prepare to represent their country at the next World Cup.
Frequently asked questions
What was the score of the England v Argentina semi-final match?
England lost to Argentina in the World Cup semi-final.
Which players scored in this match?
Anthony Gordon opened the scoring for England, while Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez scored for Argentina.
What was the impact of this defeat on England's ranking?
This defeat eliminated England from the World Cup, ending their run in the tournament.
When is England's next match after this defeat?
England's next match is not specified in the article.
Who was criticized
after the defeat of England?
Coach Thomas Tuchel was criticized for his tactical choices and substitutions during the match.
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