ENGLAND’s defensive retreat in their agonising World Cup semi-final 2-1 loss to Argentina on Wednesday has become the big talking point – and that topic is also being hotly debated among members of Thomas Tuchel’s squad.
A number of sources have indicated to BBC Sport that a clutch of key players were left disappointed at how the team approached the final stages of the game.
However, fresh comments from Tuchel have emerged in which he said that it was never the plan to drop deeper and that “it’s maybe not in our DNA…to control the game and ball”.
Leading 1-0 with 35 minutes left to play, England appeared to be on course for their first men’s World Cup final since 1966.
But the momentum shift was startling. While it was natural for Argentina to start chasing the game, England have been criticised for seeming to hand their opponents the initiative.
England manager Tuchel set his team up with a back-five to defend their lead – only to see it being overturned in the closing stages amid wave after wave of Argentina pressure.
BBC Sport pundit Wayne Rooney said the defeat “started from the manager and the decisions he made”.
Players saw their families and loved ones immediately after the defeat in Atlanta and it is understood there was a definite sense in those moments that the way the team was set-up after going ahead was a contributing factor in their downfall.
BBC Sport is aware of at least three senior players who have complained privately about the team’s approach during the closing stages.
There is an acknowledgement that ceding ground on the pitch when defending a lead is a natural instinct for players.
But, equally, there is believed to be a consensus among certain players that Tuchel’s tactical switches and substitutions exacerbated their defensive retreat.
Certain players believe the team should have had greater licence to press the ball during the closing stages in an effort to at least try and push Argentina away from their goal – even just to provide some respite for the defenders.
But instead, while some players recognised it as the team simply resorting to clearing their lines and regrouping their shape in defence – it was a tactic some didn’t agree with.
There is certainly a sense from some players that they could have been bolder and braver in those closing stages – not necessarily to go hell for leather in search for a second but to strike a balance between withstanding the Argentine pressure but also giving their opponents something to worry about in attack.
One source said: “They went too deep too early.”
Of course, players not necessarily agreeing with their manager’s approach is not uncommon.
Professional footballers are used to carrying out instructions, even if they don’t agree with the direction.
But some of the consternation from players towards how England were instructed to finish the game certainly paints an interesting picture heading into the rest of Tuchel’s reign.
In fresh comments given to British newspapers, Tuchel was asked in detail about the tactics and approach.
“I haven’t seen the data yet but I think right after the goal, the momentum swings completely in ball possession, chances and it drops dramatically,” he said.
“We got too passive within our structure. I tried to help, not to become more passive with a back five but to be more active, to be quicker out to the wingers, not to open up the gaps between the back four.
“We encouraged everyone to step out, to be more active within the structure, but we just struggled.
“We couldn’t find any duels any more which was why we dropped deeper and deeper, which was never the plan but it happened.
“We needed to get back on the ball otherwise you cannot break the pressure and you cannot get the momentum back.”
Tuchel said ball possession “plays a crucial role”.
“It’s maybe not in our DNA like it is in the Spanish DNA or Argentinian or Brazilian DNA to take the ball, control the game and the ball, which is also a big problem,” he said.
“I still think we can show how good football players we are. I think that is still in us, as I see it in training and in every camp.”
Tuchel was appointed with the belief that he was the man to finally get England over the line.
Gareth Southgate had reached one World Cup semi-final and two European Championship finals during his reign – but Tuchel’s tactical acumen was viewed as what was needed to turn England from nearly men to winners.
But the notion from some players that Tuchel got it wrong in Atlanta will pose an intriguing player-manager dynamic heading into the European Championship qualifying campaign.
While Tuchel continues to have the full backing of Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham, the criticism the German has faced since the defeat to Argentina won’t have failed to register.
As always the FA will review England’s performance at the tournament once they return home after Saturday’s bronze medal match against France.
While England’s run to the semi-final is still viewed as an achievement by those at the FA, it is clear there is much to unpack with regards to the circumstances behind their loss to Argentina.