England legends turn on Tuchel after World Cup exit to Argentina

England Coach Thomas Tuchel has come under heavy criticism from the country's football greats after the Three Lions squandered an early lead to lose 2-1 to Argentina in the FIFA World Cup semi-final, ending their hopes of reaching a first final since 1966.

England took the lead through Anthony Gordon, but Argentina fought back with two second-half goals to book their place in the final. The defeat has triggered sharp criticism of Tuchel's tactical approach, with Wayne Rooney, Alan Shearer and Joe Hart all accusing the German coach of becoming overly defensive after taking the lead.

Speaking after the match, Rooney argued that Tuchel's substitutions sent the wrong message to the players.

"Once you're leading and start replacing attacking players with defenders, confidence drops. The players begin thinking they're just trying to survive rather than win," he said.

Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart echoed those concerns, saying Tuchel's game management resembled the conservative approach often criticised during Gareth Southgate's tenure.

"It felt like Tuchel stopped believing his team could keep attacking Argentina. His substitutions suggested he was protecting the lead instead of chasing the game," Hart said.

England's all-time leading Premier League scorer Alan Shearer also questioned the tactical shift, insisting the manager invited pressure by packing the defence.

"At one stage England had six defenders on the pitch. That approach may work against lesser teams, but not against a side like Argentina, who punish mistakes and dominate possession," Shearer said.

The former striker added that Tuchel abandoned his attacking game plan too early, allowing Argentina to seize momentum and ultimately overturn the deficit.

The semi-final defeat leaves England's long wait for another World Cup final intact, while scrutiny over Tuchel's tactical decisions is expected to intensify in the aftermath of the loss.