Why I switched to defensive tactics against Argentina –Tuchel
England coach Thomas Tuchel has defended his switch to a back five tactics in the disappointing 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the 2026 World Cup semi-final on Wednesday.
The Three Lions shot to a 1-0 lead in the 55th minute before Tuchel retreated to a defensive set up.
He took off the goalscorer for Eric Konsa in the 72nd minute.
The changes gave Argentina the initiative and they started dominating England, piling pressure on their defence before they finally succeeded in the 85th minute with the equaliser from Enzo Fernandez.
Lautaro Martinez scored the winner in the 92nd minute to send Argentina to the World Cup final and to extend England’s World Cup wait since 1966.
Tuchel was criticised for the change of tactics and he has defended his decision to switch to a back five.
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He said: “If it doesn’t go well, it’s easy to say that it was wrong.
“We just tried to help the players. We conceded straight away. We decided to go to a back five because the gaps were far too open.
‘Straight after our goal, without a substitution we conceded way too many crosses and chances. We tried to help but the responsibility was on the coach.’
Between Gordon’s opener and Enzo Fernandez’s leveller, England had just 12 per cent of possession.
Tuchel continued: “We couldn’t get out. Of course we wanted to go for the second goal but I didn’t feel an offensive substitution would help.
“We stayed in our 4-4-2 but we became passive, couldn’t win any balls or keep the ball. It wasn’t a structure problem.
“We changed nothing after the goal but the match changed completely. I understand these discussions are out there and other coaches know it better after the game.”
The German coach said he had no regrets making the decisions that cost England a place in the final.
Tuchel concluded: “I had to make a decision. I have to analyse the match. I take responsibility. No regrets. The team gave everything and we were very close. We deserved to be up 1-0. We played maybe our best match in the circumstances. No regrets.”
England will face France in the third-place match on Saturday at the Miami Stadium.
Tuchel signed a new two-year contract extension in February and he is expected to remain in charge ahead of Euro 2028 which will be cco-hosted by England, Scotland, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland.
