Tuchel under fire as England’s World Cup gamble ends in Argentina heartbreak

England head coach Thomas Tuchel is facing fierce criticism after his side surrendered a lead to lose 2-1 to Argentina in the 2026 World Cup semi-final, with prominent voices accusing the Football Association of a failed “gamble” that has derailed the progress made under Gareth Southgate.

The defeat in New Jersey on Wednesday night ended England’s hopes of reaching a first World Cup final in 60 years, despite boasting one of the most talented squads in international football.

Oliver Holt, chief sports writer at the Daily Mail, wrote on Thursday that the FA had “abandoned” the pathway built by Southgate – who led England to two European Championship finals and the 2018 World Cup semi-finals – in the hope that Tuchel would deliver the final step. Instead, Holt argued, the German has fallen short of that brief.

Tactical “failure” laid bare by Argentina defeat

Holt said the loss to Argentina exposed Tuchel’s inability to provide the tactical edge he had promised when he was appointed. England, he wrote, retreated into a rudimentary, defensive style after taking the lead and allowed Lionel Messi the space and time he needed to influence the game.

England went ahead through Anthony Gordon in the 55th minute, but rather than building on the advantage they dropped deep, inviting pressure. According to Holt, England’s share of possession from Gordon’s goal until Lautaro Martinez’s decisive strike in the 92nd minute was no more than 12%.

He described England during that period as looking “as if they were playing with ten men or fewer”, such was the extent of their retreat and their inability to keep the ball.

The shift in momentum allowed Argentina to dominate the second half, turning a fragile 1-0 England lead into a late 2-1 victory and booking their place in the final at England’s expense.

Scaloni’s bold changes vs Tuchel’s caution

Holt highlighted what he called a stark contrast in the dugout between Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni and Tuchel. Scaloni, he wrote, was “clearly superior tactically”, making positive and proactive substitutions that changed the course of the match.

Tuchel’s changes, by comparison, were described as cautious and negative, reinforcing England’s defensive posture instead of reasserting control of the game. This, Holt argued, handed Argentina the initiative and the freedom to dictate the final stages of the contest.

He pointed to Scaloni’s own words after the game as proof that Argentina sensed England’s vulnerability once they scored first. The Argentina coach said his team had seen “دما في الماء” – “blood in the water” – and seized the chance to go for the kill.

Player selection and substitutions questioned

Tuchel’s handling of his squad over the tournament has also come under scrutiny. Holt criticised the German for seeking to pin technical errors on his players, insisting the responsibility for England’s exit “lies with the coach himself”.

He noted that Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane had repeatedly rescued England during the World Cup, masking structural and tactical problems. Yet, he argued, Tuchel failed to fully exploit England’s depth of attacking talent.

Particular criticism was reserved for the omission of Cole Palmer from the World Cup squad. Holt described the Chelsea forward as “the most gifted English player technically” and questioned how a player of that calibre was not even selected for the tournament.

Within the semi-final itself, Tuchel’s decision to replace goalscorer Anthony Gordon in the 72nd minute was highlighted as a major turning point. Holt wrote that the substitution would remain one of the most contentious calls of Tuchel’s tenure, suggesting the coach removed one of England’s main outlets just as Argentina were committing more men forward.

Future in doubt despite new contract

Tuchel’s position is complicated by the fact that his contract with the FA was extended in February, making an immediate dismissal unlikely. However, Holt argued that the manner of England’s exit, coupled with widespread public frustration, has left the 51-year-old in a precarious position heading towards Euro 2028.

He characterised Tuchel’s appointment as a “gamble” from the outset – a bold attempt to import a high-profile foreign coach to convert England’s near-misses into trophies. The semi-final defeat to Argentina, in Holt’s view, is evidence that the experiment has failed.

With expectations higher than ever and a generation of talent at its peak, England now face searching questions over whether they chose the right man to replace Southgate – and whether, under Tuchel, they can recover in time to challenge for major honours on home soil in 2028.