Thomas Tuchel ‘asked’ England subs to play higher in World Cup semi-final defeat | OneFootball

Thomas Tuchel faced criticism for being too defensive in England’s 2-1 World Cup semi-final defeat by Argentina on Wednesday. However, The Telegraph reports the England manager asked his substitutes to push higher up the pitch.

The German was condemned for introducing three defenders, Ezri Konsa, Dan Burn and Nico O'Reilly, between the 72nd and 82nd minutes while England led. Those changes arrived with the Three Lions ahead.

Privately, Tuchel is said to have instructed the entrants to play higher, distancing himself from claims he encouraged an ultra-defensive approach. He also felt his side were sitting too deep before the second-half cooling break, which informed his instruction to raise the team’s line.

Despite the setback, the head coach is expected to be retained through to Euro 2028. A meeting with the Football Association will follow the tournament, with England still to face France in Saturday’s third-place play-off at 23:00.

Tuchel is expected to defend his record, maintaining he did not cost qualification through a negative stance, and could also cite the tournament’s physical toll on his players.

Source: L'Équipe