Wayne Rooney claims England's confidence waned after Thomas Tuchel's late defensive substitutions in their World Cup semifinal defeat to Argentina.

England desperately wanted to protect its lead as time was winding down in the World Cup semifinals.

England had taken the lead in the 56th minute through Anthony Gordon, but opted to try and hold onto their advantage rather than add to it.

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…

England manager Thomas Tuchel defended his tactics after the Three Lions' World Cup dream ended in an agonising late defeat to Argentina on Wednesday.

Thomas Tuchel said he had ‘no regrets’ despite coming under fire following his defensive substitutions in the World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina

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…

Tuchel pushed England back after Anthony Gordon’s opener, a move which proved detrimental

Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez scored late to seal Argentina's win.

Thomas Tuchel's England were criticised for failing to take the initiative in their World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina

Wayne Rooney claims England's confidence waned after Thomas Tuchel's late defensive substitutions in their World Cup semifinal defeat to Argentina.

The team's tactics, which saw them drop deep closer towards their own goal to defend their lead, was criticised by many observers.

Thomas Tuchel mengakui timnas Inggris bermain terlalu pasif setelah unggul. Wayne Rooney menilai keputusan sang pelatih menjadi penyebab kekalahan.

Tuchel’s in-game decisions came in for scrutiny and his substitutions were criticised

Wayne Rooney slammed Thomas Tuchel after England's World Cup exit. The fallout extends to crypto markets, fan tokens, and Kraken's FIFA sponsorship.

Thomas Tuchel shouldered the blame for England becoming far too passive after taking the lead as Argentina ended his team’s World Cup dream

England manager Tuchel swapped Reece James for Dan Burn, and Declan Rice for defender Nico O’Reilly in the 82nd minute.

Manager Thomas Tuchel is under fire for his tactics after England crashed out of the FIFA World Cup 2026. | Football News

Many critics and former England players immediately pointed the finger at Thomas Tuchel for England's latest failure, accusing the German of switching to an ultra-defensive…

Wayne Rooney, Gary Neville and Michael Owen lashed out at Thomas Tuchel after England crashed out of the FIFA World Cup. | Football News

Coach stands by his defensive substitutions after England had taken the lead against Argentina