World Cup 2026: England squad debating Tuchel’s tactics against Argentina

Players saw their families and loved ones in the immediate aftermath of the defeat in Atlanta, and in those moments it became clear that the way the team was structured post-win was a contributing factor to their decline.

BBC Sport is aware of at least three senior players who privately complained about the team’s approach in the closing stages.

It is acknowledged that giving up the field when defending the lead is a natural instinct for players.

But equally, there is believed to be a consensus among some players that Tuchel’s tactical changes and substitutions have worsened their defensive retreat.

Some players believe that the team should have been empowered to put more pressure on the ball in the closing stages, at least to force Argentina away from their goal, or even to give the defenders some respite.

But instead, it was a tactic that some did not accept, although some players accepted this as the team simply resorting to clearing their lines and regaining shape defensively.

There’s definitely a feeling that some players could have been braver in these closing stages; not to go to hell for a moment of leather, but to strike a balance between withstanding Argentine pressure while also giving their opponents something to worry about in attack.

A source said: “They dug too deep too early.”

Of course, it’s not uncommon for players to disagree with their manager’s approach.

Professional football players are accustomed to following instructions, even if they disagree with them.

But the players’ surprise at England being instructed to finish the game certainly paints an interesting picture of the remainder of Tuchel’s reign.

Tuchel was appointed in the belief that he was the man who would eventually get England over the line.

Gareth Southgate had reached one World Cup semi-final and two European Championship finals during his reign; but Tuchel’s tactical acumen was seen as just what was needed to transform England from near-mans to winners.

But some players’ notion that Tuchel got it wrong in Atlanta will make for an interesting player-manager dynamic in the European Championship qualifiers.

While Tuchel continues to have the full support of Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham, the criticism the German has faced since the defeat against Argentina has also been ignored.

As always, the FA will review England’s performance in the tournament following Saturday’s bronze medal match against France.

While England’s progress to the semi-finals is still seen as a success by those within the FA, there is clearly much to be explained about the circumstances behind their defeat against Argentina.