“I can’t believe it”: Müller sharply criticizes Tuchel after England’s World Cup exit | OneFootball

England’s dramatic World Cup exit against Argentina continues to spark debate. Following Bastian Schweinsteiger, Thomas Müller has now also leveled sharp criticism at Thomas Tuchel’s tactical approach after England took the lead.

England’s 1-2 loss to Argentina in the World Cup semifinal continues to preoccupy the soccer world even days after the final whistle. In particular, the Three Lions’ passive style of play after taking the lead has been met with bewilderment. Now Thomas Müller has also spoken out in no uncertain terms.

In a video posted on his social media channels, the 2014 World Cup champion expressed his astonishment at England’s performance after Anthony Gordon’s 1-0 goal. “I can’t believe it and I don’t understand how England approached this game after taking the lead. I can’t fathom how they allowed Argentina to send in one cross after another from ideal positions,” Müller explained.

Schweinsteiger Criticizes Tuchel’s Substitutions

Müller is not alone in his assessment. Immediately after the game, Bastian Schweinsteiger, serving as an ARD analyst, had also questioned Thomas Tuchel’s tactical approach.

“The tactics worked perfectly for the first 60 to 65 minutes,” explained the former Bayern Munich pro. After that, however, England lost its nerve.

“The English didn’t come out anymore; they didn’t have the courage to press the Argentines. The more you let them push you back, the more likely it is that eventually one will slip through,” Schweinsteiger analyzed.

England kept falling further and further back

Photo: Getty Images

In fact, the game changed fundamentally after the opening goal. While England defended compactly and kept launching counterattacks until the score was 1–0, the team subsequently ceded almost complete control to Argentina.

The South Americans were able to establish themselves deep in England’s half and repeatedly delivered dangerous crosses through Lionel Messi and the wings. England could barely create any relief on offense.

Tuchel’s substitutions also sparked further debate. Just past the 70-minute mark, the English manager took goal-scorer Anthony Gordon off the field and brought on center back Ezri Konsa. Shortly afterward, Dan Burn replaced the influential Declan Rice.

The defensive substitutions did not bring the desired stability. Instead, Argentina first equalized through Enzo Fernández, before Lautaro Martínez scored the 2-1 winning goal in stoppage time, dashing England’s dreams of reaching the World Cup final.