England are out of the 2026 World Cup and the critics have been out for head coach Thomas Tuchel.
Though there’s no shame in losing a semi-final to the world champions, England’s approach after taking the lead has faced scrutiny.
The Three Lions retreated deep into defensive lines after Anthony Gordon’s 55th-minute opener, with Tuchel’s tactical approach and changes doing little to stop the one-sided Argentine traffic.
Tuchel brought on Ezri Konsa, Dan Burn and Nico O’Reilly in defensive-minded substitutions, each of which contributed to their retreat. England, defending their penalty box for almost half an hour, collapsed late on as Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez goals sent Argentina into the final.
Opta have released the date that demonstrates just how badly England surrendered late on. Following Gordon’s goal, England had only 12% of the possession in the game, as Argentina dominated the ball and fired cross after cross into the box.
12% – Average possession between Anthony Gordon’s opener and Lautaro Martínez’s winner (55th to 92nd minute):
12% – 🏴 England
88% – 🇦🇷 ArgentinaTrapped. pic.twitter.com/J5S9wlHCpx
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 15, 2026
Harry Kane and several pundits have questioned England’s decision to go uber-defensive, a tactic that will haunt the Three Lions after, arguably, the most painful World Cup defeat since winning the trophy in 1966.
Read – England criticised for lack of bravery in possession after Argentina defeat
See more – England Player Ratings vs Argentina as World Cup dream dies