Explore the latest developments concerning World Cup 2026:.
World Cup 2026: England squad debating Tuchel's tactics against Argentina
Defeat means England's men will not have reached a World Cup final for at least 64 years
England's defensive retreat in their agonising World Cup semi-final 2-1 loss to Argentina on Wednesday has become the big talking point – and that topic is also being hotly debated among members of Thomas Tuchel's squad.
A number of sources have indicated to BBC Sport that a clutch of key players were left disappointed at how the team approached the final stages of the game.
However, fresh comments from Tuchel have emerged in which he said that it was never the plan to drop deeper and that "it's maybe not in our DNA…to control the game and ball".
Another Argentina Comeback, Another World Cup Title Berth For 'X-Factor' Messi
The 2026 World Cup final is set as Argentina looks to defend its title against Spain. But after four wild comebacks, what was it about Argentina’s seminal performance that sealed its championship spot? Their X-factor, Lionel Messi.
Although Messi has not scored since Argentina's round-of-16 win over Egypt, he’s still managed to set up some of their game-winning goals that led them to the final, including a pair of assists against England in the semifinals. For FOX Sports’ Stu Holden, he noticed that England’s real shot of winning was gone when Messi continued to play a factor.
"I think I said this in the 60th or 65th minute. I said, ‘Uh oh, look out, England,’ [Messi is] was just camping out on the right side of the field," Holden said on The Herd. "And he’s just waiting for his opportunity to get into this game. There was never even a thought in Messi or Argentina’s mind that that game was done. It was never going to be Messi’s last game."
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England’s problem at major tournaments? They’re still just too English – The Athletic
England were left with a familiar sinking feeling at the World Cup Richard Pelham/Getty Images
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When Thomas Tuchel was appointed as England manager, the question was whether he would manage like an actual foreign coach — or like the foreign coaches who came before him.
Why? Well, the confusing thing about England’s two previous dalliances with foreign coaches is that they managed like Englishmen. Both Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello largely played 4-4-2 with Emile Heskey up front.
Furthermore, while Sarina Wiegman clearly attempted to change England’s philosophy when appointed to the women’s side, her England have become increasingly old-school. She grew increasingly irritated by her players’ go-to phrase, “proper England!” at last summer’s European Championship, as they increasingly found themselves dominated and relying on big tackles, against her wishes.
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