Thomas Tuchel vs Gareth Southgate: How their defensive subs compare in England exits | OneFootball

Three Lions’ quest to end 60 years of hurt continues after heartbreaking World Cup defeat

England’s agonising late defeat to Argentina in the 2026 World Cup semi-finals had a familiar feeling to it.

After starting well and taking a 55th-minute lead against the reigning champions, the Three Lions dropped deep and let Argentina dominate possession before goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez sealed La Albiceleste’s place in a second successive World Cup final.

Thomas Tuchel’s decision to revert to a back five in the closing stages of the game has received heavy criticism, with many drawing parallels between the German’s approach and that of his predecessor, Sir Gareth Southgate.

Southgate’s England made a World Cup semi-final and successive European Championship finals during his seven-year spell in charge, but ultimately fell short of winning anything before his departure in July 2024.

During his tenure, Southgate was criticised for his cautious approach in big games, with England taking early leads in the 2018 World Cup semi-final against Croatia and the Euro 2020 final against Italy before failing to seize the advantage and eventually losing in heartbreaking fashion.

The appointment of Tuchel was supposed to constitute a change in approach, with the German promising to play on the front foot and be the protagonist in big games.

After England’s defeat to Argentina, though, Tuchel’s substitutions have been put under the spotlight, with the former Chelsea boss bringing on three defenders, Ezri Konsa, Dan Burn and Nico O’Reilly, to try to close out the game.

Tuchel’s decision to sit back and invite pressure did not pay off, leaving supporters frustrated as England once again failed to protect a lead.

England and Tuchel have been determined to move past the Southgate era and finally deliver success in the form of a trophy, yet they appear to find themselves back at square one.

The comparisons between Southgate and Tuchel were always likely to occur once England failed to defend their lead against Argentina, and there were striking similarities in the way Tuchel’s side struggled to keep possession and England’s performances against Croatia and Italy under Southgate, as highlighted by renowned commentator Clive Tyldesley on X.

Compare the substitutions made by Tuchel against Argentina with those made by Southgate during the four knockout games England lost under his stewardship, though, and the difference in approach is striking.

Whereas against Argentina, Tuchel brought off winger and goalscorer Anthony Gordon in order to add an extra defender, Konsa, to his backline, Southgate typically opted for attacking or like-for-like changes.

Only once, when Eric Dier replaced Jordan Henderson against Croatia in 2018, did Southgate replace a midfielder or an attacker with a more defensive option.

Context is important, and Southgate was often criticised for making his subs too late as England tried to wrestle back control of games.

But ultimately, Tuchel, who has been praised for his in-game changes during the World Cup, went too defensive, too soon and paid the price as Argentina struck twice late on.