Following the loss, Tuchel and his men will now face 2022 World Cup runners-up France in the third-place play-off.
By Kehinde Okeowo
England manager Thomas Tuchel has explained the rationale behind his approach after Argentina struck twice late on to come from behind and win a dramatic 2026 World Cup semi-final 2-1 in Atlanta.
The Three Lions were on course to reach their first men’s final since winning the tournament in 1966 when Anthony Gordon gave them the lead in a feisty encounter after 55 minutes.
Argentina, however, turned the contest around when Enzo Fernández struck a magnificent equaliser with five minutes left, before Lautaro Martínez headed in a stoppage-time winner from Lionel Messi’s right-footed cross.
With this result, England will now face France in the third-place play-off, while Lionel Scaloni’s men will attempt to retain their crown against Spain on Sunday.
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Speaking after the encounter, Tuchel said he went defensive because his team were too “passive” during the game.
He went on to take the blame, noting that the outcome of the last-four fixture meant his “decisions were wrong”.
Addressing journalists, the German tactician said: “After taking a 1-0 lead, we were too passive.
”I decided to go to a back five because there were too many gaps and Argentina were winning every single header.
”If it doesn’t end up well, it’s easy to say that my decisions were wrong.”
