The manager of England Thomas Tuchel has defended his tactical decisions after the Three Lions suffered a dramatic 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final.
England seem to be heading for the final for the first time since 1966 when Anthony Gordon gave them a deserved second-half lead. However, two goals from Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez completed a stunning comeback for the reigning world champions, sending Argentina into the final against Spain.
What did Thomas Tuchel say about England’s defeat against Argentina?
Tuchel insisted he had "no regrets" despite criticism over England's defensive approach after taking the lead.
He said,
"The team gave everything and we were very close. We deserved to be 1-0 up. We played one of our better matches, maybe the best match in the circumstances. No regrets."
The German coach admitted England became too passive after Gordon's opener, allowing Argentina to seize momentum in the closing stages.
"We were so close, but we got too passive after we scored. We conceded too many crosses, chances and shots. We couldn't keep the level up after our goal."
Tuchel also defended his decision to switch to a back five, saying it was a response to Argentina's growing aerial threat rather than an attempt to sit back
"We decided to go to a back five because the gaps were far too open and they kept winning headers and delivering crosses. It wasn't a structural problem. it was that we couldn't regain possession," he added
The defeat extends England's long wait for a major international trophy, but Tuchel rejected suggestions that the team is "cursed," insisting the result should be analysed purely from a football perspective rather than through superstition.
England will now face France in the third-place play-off, while Argentina will take on Spain in Sunday's World Cup final.
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