England surrendered a second-half lead against Argentina in the World Cup semi-final in Atlanta, with the Guardian's Jacob Steinberg criticising Thomas Tuchel's negative tactics and defensive retreat.
Key facts
- England faced Argentina in a World Cup semi-final in Atlanta.
- Anthony Gordon fired England ahead early in the second half.
- Argentina mounted a clinical fightback to win the tie.
- Guardian writer Jacob Steinberg criticised Thomas Tuchel's passive, defensive approach.
- Lionel Scaloni's substitutions were credited with making a difference.
England’s hopes of reaching the World Cup final ended in disappointment in Atlanta, where a promising position collapsed into a familiar tale of caution and retreat, according to a Guardian analysis by Jacob Steinberg.
Steinberg wrote that England did not confront Lionel Messi and Argentina with anything new, dropping back to defend once a place in the final was within reach. He described the negativity as lamentable and said punishment arrived in the form of a clinical Argentina fightback.
There had been a chance for England to push on after Anthony Gordon fired them ahead early in the second half, the piece noted, but the team reverted to type. Steinberg described the mentality as passive, adding that England looked scared to win and that no one put a foot on the ball to offer control.
The analysis was pointed about individual performances. Harry Kane was described as invisible in another game, while England’s midfield was said to have been outplayed, outrun and outclassed by Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernandez.
Steinberg also directed criticism at head coach Thomas Tuchel, writing that he was outwitted by his Argentina counterpart Lionel Scaloni, whose substitutions made a difference. Tuchel was described as too quick to retreat when there was so long left for England to defend their lead.
The columnist argued that the changes Tuchel made would have led to previous England managers Gareth Southgate and Sven-Goran Eriksson being hammered, framing the defeat as a repeat of long-standing England failings rather than the fresh approach that had been promised.
Why it matters
A World Cup semi-final is one of the biggest stages in the sport, and England's exit renews long-running debates about the national team's tactical mentality in decisive moments. The criticism of a new manager suggests the pressure for a change in approach remains unresolved.
Frequently asked questions
What was the result of the England v Argentina semi-final?
According to the Guardian's analysis, England took the lead through Anthony Gordon early in the second half but Argentina mounted a clinical fightback to win the tie and reach the final.
Who scored for England?
Anthony Gordon fired England ahead early in the second half, according to the Guardian.
Why was Thomas Tuchel criticised?
Guardian writer Jacob Steinberg said Tuchel adopted a passive, defensive approach, retreated too early, and was outwitted by Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, whose substitutions made a difference.