England manager Thomas Tuchel has stood by his strategic choices following the World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina during a charged media session.

Speaking to reporters ahead of Saturday's third-place match versus France in Miami, Tuchel stated that if blame must be assigned then he accepts it fully.

Yet the German coach expressed no remorse and noted that he and his squad feel the deepest hurt, calling it the scar they now bear.

England stood on the brink of their first men's World Cup final in six decades.

However a narrow advantage slipped away in the final moments turning into a 2-1 reverse as the defense dropped deeper amid relentless pressure from Lionel Messi's defending champions.

At the media briefing Tuchel also noted:

Team unity remains strong yet the side grew overly cautious late on
A clear difference exists versus elite sides and efforts to narrow it will continue
Matches against Mexico and Norway left a heavy physical toll on the squad
Captain Harry Kane dropped deep as that occurs when holding a defensive shape.

Reflecting on the final 35 minutes Tuchel said his view remained unchanged that the team had grown too passive.

When questioned about regretting any call he replied that no such regret exists.

He noted momentum shifts in the contest and attempts to support the players through adjustments.

Several choices were made based on instinct experience and competitive drive all aimed at securing the outcome yet the result did not follow.

Responsibility for those calls rests with him and he would only regret failing to act or respond.

Tuchel declined to enter debates over assigning fault to others.

He stated this comes with the role but he would not participate and sees no one else at fault if blame is sought he accepts it as head coach.

On Kane dropping deep late he explained it stems from defending in a compact unit and the side lacked sufficient forward pressure.

Tuchel observed Argentina gained strong momentum after the opening goal with numerous attacking shifts and dangerous entries.

Crosses and runners into the area proved hard to contain leading to a switch to a back five for better coverage across the pitch.

Passivity set in while Argentina found extra intensity and rhythm against the title holders England held a lead until the 85th minute before falling 2-1 in painful fashion.

Regarding data showing reduced physical output versus Argentina compared to an earlier match Tuchel acknowledged prior exertions in altitude against Mexico and heat versus Norway likely played a role even if it feels like an excuse.

Players poured out maximum effort across every fixture so any dip in metrics must trace to those demands despite high motivation levels.

Tuchel described the sting of the late goals in the 85th and 92nd minutes noting the squad feels the greatest pain as their lasting scar.

The hurt belongs to him and the players first before critics experts or families who also share in the disappointment.

They will move past it draw lessons and respond starting immediately with a chance at the best World Cup finish in 60 years if successful in the next match.

The result highlighted a remaining distance to the leading nations though belief existed in achieving more.

Three other countries carry near-certain expectations of lifting the trophy while England does not yet sit at that level and will keep pursuing improvement without pause.

Tuchel's expression revealed clear distress during his last pre-match briefing of the tournament.

The setting in Miami was not his preferred one as plans had centered on reaching New York for the final instead of preparing for a bronze-medal clash with France.

His demeanor lacked usual warmth amid ongoing scrutiny over the late defensive posture against Argentina.

He offered a strong defense of his actions during the collapse yet the anguish remained evident to all present.

Emotion surfaced naturally given the timing so soon after such a crushing exit and the focus on his own role added to the strain.

Still he addressed every pointed query without avoidance which merits recognition.