Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Thomas Tuchel is facing scrutiny after England surrendered a 1-0 lead in their 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final defeat by Argentina in Atlanta. Reports on Thursday, July 16, said some England players were puzzled by the defensive approach, raising questions about Thomas Tuchel’s squad choices.
Thomas Tuchel had built his team around speed, intensity and direct wing play. Yet England dropped deeper against Argentina, inviting pressure while Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke and Marcus Rashford remained unused.
Elsewhere in football, Canberra United’s future has been secured as new ownership prepares plans for a men’s team.
The decision to omit Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Morgan Gibbs-White, Adam Wharton and Trent Alexander-Arnold left England short of players capable of controlling possession. The official England World Cup squad showed how strongly Thomas Tuchel had backed athletic specialists.
Fitness concerns also reduced England’s options. Bukayo Saka was carrying an Achilles problem, Reece James suffered hamstring trouble and cramp, while Declan Rice had been managing neural pain around his hamstring and lower back.
England carried six central defenders but only four central midfielders, including 36-year-old Jordan Henderson and the unused Kobbie Mainoo. When Declan Rice struggled, Thomas Tuchel preferred moving Reece James into midfield rather than introducing another natural passer.
Thomas Tuchel also kept faith with Harry Kane despite the captain’s poor semi-final performance. Ollie Watkins, whose movement could have stretched Argentina’s defence, was not used.
The tactical retreat was especially damaging because it went against the approach Thomas Tuchel had promoted before the tournament. England’s Football Association still backs the head coach through UEFA Euro 2028, but his decisions will now face far greater attention.
