Tuchel’s conservative tactics questioned after England World Cup defeat

What the report says

The Independent Uganda, carrying a Xinhua report from New York, said England coach Thomas Tuchel faced widespread criticism from supporters and pundits after England lost 2-1 to Argentina in Wednesday’s World Cup semifinal. The report said England had taken the lead early in the second half through Anthony Gordon, who finished a cross from Morgan Rogers after a tight, cautious opening in which Argentina tried to block central space and England worked the wide areas.

According to the report, the main focus of criticism was Tuchel’s response after going ahead. Gordon was replaced by defender Ezri Konsa, a move the article said reduced England’s counterattacking threat and left Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham more isolated. Argentina then applied sustained pressure, with Jordan Pickford making saves and the woodwork also denying chances before Enzo Fernandez equalized from the edge of the area.

The report argued that later substitutions, including Dan Burn and Nico O’Reilly for Declan Rice and Reece James, reinforced a deep defensive approach. It said England’s possession after Gordon’s goal fell to 12 percent, and described Argentina’s winner as another defensive failure, with Lionel Messi able to cross for Lautaro Martinez to head in while unmarked.

The article also raised broader questions about Tuchel’s squad construction, including the limited use of Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins, the absence of creative players such as Cole Palmer or Phil Foden, and the decision to take Reece James as the only specialist right-back while leaving Trent Alexander-Arnold out. England are due to face France in Saturday’s third-place playoff.