He did not think his tactics were wrong. Instead, his plan in going to a back five was to try to cut out the crosses flying into England’s box and limit Argentina’s space after they’d brought on left winger Nico Gonzalez and shifted Messi to the right wing in a 4-2-4 formation.
England’s players think differently. They felt the substitutions were negative, making it increasingly difficult for England’s defence to get respite and for them to keep the ball.
It is not yet known how they feel about Tuchel’s suggestion that there is a weakness in English football’s DNA which means they are different from Spanish, Argentinian and Brazilian footballers who are more adept at maintaining possession in difficult circumstances.
There is no suggestion that there is a rift in the England camp or any animosity from the players towards Tuchel, who remains an incredibly popular and authoritative leader of the squad.
Furthermore, Tuchel maintains the full backing of his FA bosses following the defeat, and the coach himself has said he is “100 per cent” committed to staying in his role for Euro 2028, at which England will enjoy home advantage as a co-host along with Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland.
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