England star says Tuchel tactics conflicted with his own approach

England manager Thomas Tuchel faced intense scrutiny after his side suffered another World Cup failure, with tactical decisions in the closing stages drawing widespread condemnation.

Between Anthony Gordon’s goal and Lisandro Martínez’s 92nd-minute winner, England registered just 12 per cent possession. Tuchel’s substitutions were widely criticised as the team retreated defensively.

Gordon was replaced by defender Ezri Konsa after 72 minutes, with Nico O’Reilly and Dan Burn introduced 10 minutes later. Marcus Rashford and Ivan Toney were brought on only after Argentina had taken the lead, a response many viewed as too late.

Centre-back Marc Guéhi questioned the approach, suggesting England should have maintained attacking pressure after going ahead. He said the team’s mentality appeared to shift to defending following the goal.

“Once we went 1-0 up we seemed to just try and hold on, which at this level is just not enough,” Guéhi said. He added that the side “should have carried on pushing” rather than dropping deep.

When asked about England’s prospects for Euro 2028, Guéhi acknowledged the current disappointment made it difficult to look ahead. The defender said it was hard to think about the future in the immediate aftermath.

Tuchel defended his decisions at full time, explaining the move to a back five was intended to close gaps and counter Argentina’s aerial threat. He noted his team conceded numerous crosses and chances after the goal without any substitution.

The head coach said an offensive change would not have helped given England’s inability to retain possession. He maintained the issue was not structural but a consequence of the match’s shifting momentum.