The loss sets up a final between Argentina and Spain, while England faces France in the third-place playoff.
Tuchel’s Tactical Shifts Under Scrutiny
Thomas Tuchel’s decision to revert to a back-five formation after taking a 1-0 lead against Argentina drew sharp criticism. According to The Athletic, this “Azteca Plan” — a tactic that worked against Mexico and Norway — left England vulnerable to Argentina’s attacking threats. The move, which saw Ezri Konsa introduced as an extra center-back, reduced England’s ability to counter-attack and ceded control of the midfield.
Tuchel defended his approach, stating, “I analysed the match and I did it a certain way so that’s my responsibility. In the moment, no regrets. The manager’s reliance on a defensive setup raised questions about his suitability for high-stakes matches.”
Messi’s Enduring Brilliance
Lionel Messi’s performance was highlighted. At 39, the Argentina captain orchestrated both goals, showcasing his ability to control games. Aljazeera highlighted Messi’s mazy runs and precise passing, including a key assist for Fernandez’s equalizer and a cross for Martinez’s winner.
Messi’s impact extended beyond scoring. The 12% possession England recorded between scoring and conceding the winner epitomized their inability to break Argentina’s defensive structure.
Messi’s record at the World Cup was noted. With 21 goals and 12 assists at football’s global showpiece, he remains the beating heart of the team, according to Aljazeera, emphasizing his role in Argentina’s fourth title bid.
England’s Pattern of Collapse
It was the third time since the 2018 World Cup that England have lost a major championship semifinal or final after taking the lead. Aljazeera noted that England’s rearguard actions against Mexico and Norway had previously shielded them from elimination, but the strategy failed against Argentina.
Tuchel’s decision to not utilize players like Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford further fueled criticism. The Athletic argued that the lack of pace on the bench left England unable to counter Argentina’s physicality.
As England prepares for the third-place playoff against France, the focus will shift to whether Tuchel can adapt. Meanwhile, Argentina’s path to a fourth World Cup title appears clear, with Messi leading the charge.
Find more reporting in our Sport section.
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