Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleEngland were defeated 2-1 by Argentina in the World Cup semi-final in Atlanta on Wednesday, despite initially taking a 1-0 lead through Anthony Gordon. Lionel Messi played a pivotal role in Argentina's comeback, providing two late assists for Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez to secure their team's place in the final. England manager Thomas Tuchel faced significant criticism for his tactical decisions, particularly for introducing three defensive substitutes in the second half, which critics argued allowed Argentina to take control of the match. Former England striker Gary Lineker described England's tactics as “unfathomable”, questioning why the team played so deep against Messi and afforded him excessive space to create opportunities. Micah Richards also criticised Tuchel, stating he “got it wrong” by making the team defend too deep and failing to provide an attacking outlet, despite Tuchel reportedly retaining the Football Association's backing until Euro 2028. In fullGary Lineker questions ‘unfathomable’ England tactics against Lionel Messi and ArgentinaMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
Gary Lineker hits out at Thomas Tuchel’s tactics that failed to stop Lionel Messi
Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleEngland were defeated 2-1 by Argentina in the World Cup semi-final in Atlanta on Wednesday, despite initially taking a 1-0 lead through Anthony Gordon. Lionel Messi played a pivotal role in Argentina's comeback, providing two late assists for Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez to secure their team's place in the final. England manager Thomas Tuchel faced significant criticism for his tactical decisions, particularly for introducing three defensive substitutes in the second half, which critics argued allowed Argentina to take control of the match. Former England striker Gary Lineker described England's tactics as “unfathomable”, questioning why the team played so deep against Messi and afforded him excessive space to create opportunities. Micah Richards also criticised Tuchel, stating he “got it wrong” by making the team defend too deep and failing to provide an attacking outlet, despite Tuchel reportedly retaining the Football Association's backing until Euro 2028. In fullGary Lineker questions ‘unfathomable’ England tactics against Lionel Messi and ArgentinaMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
