Key events

23m ago Lineker calls Tuchel tactics unfathomable
40m ago Argentina players conduct with Falklands banner deemed entirely inappropriate by government minister
1h ago FA chief commends Tuchel following England World Cup exit
3h ago Preamble

Priya Bharadia shares fan reactions from Manchester:

Lucas Clapham, 25, shrugged and noted he felt content with the team reaching this stage. They enjoyed an extended run in the competition and still have a third-place match ahead.

Rachel George, 30, who sat outside the now-empty Castlefield Bowl with friends Connor Ford and Amnre Judge, stated the England players merit a hero welcome for their showing.

She mentioned crying after the loss, calling it a sad moment, yet expressed hope for four years ahead. They had booked a pub for Sunday and planned to watch the final while backing Spain.

Ford added that some celebrated prematurely with fireworks, but the players should feel proud of their effort.

The opening Argentina goal, resulting from Pickford deflecting a Martinez shot that appeared headed wide for a corner, recalled England versus Colombia in 2018. In that earlier match Pickford produced a fine save on a shot not destined for goal, leading to a corner from which Yerry Mina scored.

If the Fernandez effort was truly going wide, one might question whether Pickford bore responsibility, though that remains a jest.

Lineker calls Tuchel tactics unfathomable

Gary Lineker labeled Thomas Tuchel tactics during England World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina as unfathomable.

England led early in the second half via Anthony Gordon yet suffered from a cautious stance afterward as Enzo Fernandez equalized in the 85th minute before Lautaro Martinez added a stoppage-time winner.

Tuchel introduced defensive changes including Ezri Konsa, Nico O Reilly and Dan Burn, yet these failed to prevent Lionel Messi from creating both goals from the right flank.

On The Rest is Football podcast Lineker remarked that sitting deep against the finest player in history made little sense. Messi continues to lead in World Cup goals and assists while operating on the right against a back five without close marking.

Former midfielder Joe Cole pointed to a negative outlook near victory after England suffered a third straight World Cup semi-final defeat. He noted a mindset issue where fear of failure hampers progress, evident in low possession after scoring.

Jon from Kent emailed that criticism of Tuchel holds merit, yet earlier attacking changes risked similar backlash if goals were conceded. He questioned squad fitness, noting Saka absence in such a match seemed odd, and observed the team performed well to reach this point though the final hurdle curse persists.

Argentina players conduct with Falklands banner deemed entirely inappropriate by government minister

Argentina players actions proved entirely inappropriate when they displayed a banner backing their nation claims to the Falkland Islands after the World Cup semi-final victory over England, according to senior minister Peter Kyle.

Argentina, the defending champions, defeated England 2-1 in Wednesday match in Atlanta. Fans celebrated with a banner reading Las Malvinas son Argentinas, which reached the players who held it during their festivities. They may face Fifa discipline for breaching rules against political messages.

Business Secretary Kyle told the BBC the move was inappropriate and politics must stay separate from football. He expects Fifa to investigate thoroughly as it violated core tenets against political activity in the sport.

Tensions remain between Argentina and Britain over the Falkland Islands, site of 1982 conflict. Buenos Aires continues to assert sovereignty over the territory far from Britain yet close to Argentina.

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni had hoped the fixture would avoid the sovereignty issue. Vice-president Victoria Villarruel had called England invaders before the game and posted a victory note on X stating it was not just another match alongside apparent soldier footage.

Until Argentina met England in the World Cup semi-final on Wednesday their tournament luck had relied on a distinctive chaotic mix that felt almost mythical. For an instant that element appeared ready to fade.

Then Argentina repeated their summer pattern and sent a stadium plus an entire nation into frenzy. La Albiceleste netted twice late to overturn the English lead and reach the final. After the second goal, a Lautaro Martinez strike in second-half stoppage time, supporters from both sides wept openly for contrasting reasons.

Queries about aiming for a 2-0 or 3-0 win represent typical armchair fan comments, though given the game flow after the England goal and the substitutions they remain fair.

England issue may have stemmed partly from physical tiredness. Tuchel noted no immediate changes after the goal. Was it mindset with a final spot visible, fatigue, or Argentina raising their level beyond England reach?

Tuchel surprise decision not to substitute Kane stood out, as one expected improvement over the Southgate period involved recognizing when Kane needed rest in major knockout games.

Tuchel told the BBC they aimed for a second goal yet felt offensive substitutions would not aid the cause. They remained in 4-4-2 but grew passive, unable to regain or retain possession. It was not a structural flaw. Nothing changed after the goal yet the match shifted entirely. He understands the discussions as many coaches claim superior knowledge afterward.

Daniel emailed that blame rests with Tuchel. Those ignoring past lessons risk repeating errors. Accepting defeat after a strong effort differs from waiting to lose from the 67th minute onward.

He noted at tournament start that prior squads from 2021 and 2024 seemed stronger. International timing matters, and after eight years with capable players the final hurdle remains elusive, as with Italy at Wembley.

Thanks Martin. Hello all.

Were England hesitant to claim victory? Did Thomas Tuchel err badly after much success? Were Argentina motivated by deeper stakes than football? Who will claim the final?

We will address these and further questions after a significant World Cup semi-final in Atlanta. Share your views via email.

Thanks for following, perhaps even starting your day, as we began analyzing England defeat and Argentina path forward. Luke McLaughlin takes over now.

FA chief commends Tuchel following England World Cup exit

Thomas Tuchel keeps Football Association support after England World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina and appears set to remain as head coach for Euro 2028, according to Press Association.

The 52-year-old former Chelsea manager succeeded Sir Gareth Southgate in November 2024 and was viewed as possessing the tactical skill to advance beyond his predecessor, who reached back-to-back European finals plus a World Cup semi-final.

Tuchel cautious choices drew scrutiny yet he retains FA backing. His initial contract covered this World Cup but he extended until 2028 with plans to lead England at the home Euros.

After the Argentina loss the coach stated he holds a contract until the home Euros and looks forward to it despite difficulty projecting that far now.

England returned to their Kansas City base after the loss in Georgia where FA chief executive Mark Bullingham praised Tuchel and the squad effort.

Thomas Tuchel offered mixed comments after the semi-final defeat to Argentina yet Jacob Steinberg remained clear that the England head coach had not secured a free pass.

This echoed familiar patterns. England had opportunity to press after Anthony Gordon goal early in the second half yet reverted to caution. The approach turned passive with evident fear of winning. No one controlled play. Harry Kane stayed invisible. The midfield was outplayed by Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernandez. Thomas Tuchel was outmaneuvered by Lionel Scaloni whose changes mattered while retreating too soon with ample time remaining.

Thomas Tuchel had already indicated this week he avoids mere pleasantries after matches. The head coach accepted blame for England passivity after leading against Argentina yet stated he held no regrets.