Argentina players left stunned by Tuchel’s defensive approach in World Cup semi-final
Scaloni and his coaching staff had identified England’s pace in behind as one of the biggest threats to their defence if the game became more open
Argentina players were surprised by England's reaction after taking the lead in their World Cup semi-final on Wednesday (15 July), with particular shock at Thomas Tuchel's defensive substitutions after they had prepared for England to introduce more pace in the second half.
According to The Independent, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni expected Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, or both to come on after the break.
Scaloni and his coaching staff had identified England's pace in behind as one of the biggest threats to their defence if the game became more open, it adds.
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After Anthony Gordon gave England the lead in the 55th minute, Argentina players said they anticipated that scenario. Instead, they gradually realised England were sitting deeper and becoming increasingly defensive.
Scaloni and his staff continued to expect either Saka or Madueke to be introduced by the second hydration break.
However, they instead saw Tuchel preparing a series of defensive substitutions, reducing England's counter-attacking threat.
That allowed Scaloni to take a more attacking approach, including replacing left-back Nicolas Tagliafico with eventual match-winner Lautaro Martinez, a move that helped Argentina secure victory in stoppage time.
Tuchel brought on Ezri Konsa for Anthony Gordon in the 72nd minute, switching to a back five. Dan Burn and Nico O'Reilly then replaced Reece James and Declan Rice in the 82nd minute.
It was only after Enzo Fernandez equalised with a long-range strike in the 90th minute that Tuchel introduced more attacking options, sending on Marcus Rashford for Djed Spence and Ivan Toney for John Stones.
Between Gordon's opener and Martinez's winner, England had just 12% possession.
After seeing Tuchel's first substitution and Argentina's growing control of the game, Scaloni abandoned plans to keep a defensive option in reserve.
Believing he no longer needed a specialist left-back against England's pace, he introduced Martinez for Tagliafico in the 81st minute, with Nico Gonzalez, who had come on in the 62nd minute, moving to left-back.
England's tactical approach became a major talking point among Argentina's players during their celebrations.
They were particularly surprised by how quickly Tuchel switched to a back five and by the fact that neither Saka nor Madueke featured at any stage, despite both players' strengths being highlighted to the squad at half-time.
The approach also appeared to surprise several England players. Captain Harry Kane said trying to "hold on" to a 1-0 lead was "not enough at this level," while centre-back Marc Guehi added: "We should have carried on pushing.
It kind of felt like we scored and then the mentality was go back, defend."
Despite the defeat, the Football Association is understood to believe England's elimination was not the result of Tuchel's tactical decisions as it continues planning for Euro 2028 on home soil.
Chief Executive Mark Bullingham has privately expressed satisfaction with the German's overall performance.
There is also a belief within the FA that Tuchel is trying to change certain cultural habits within the squad.
One theory is that the players instinctively retreated after taking the lead, even as the manager visibly reinforced that approach. Tuchel signed a contract extension in February that runs through Euro 2028.
