As soon as Gordon put England forward on this newest stormy episode of an outdated and bitter rivalry, Tuchel selected a rearguard motion.
That had labored for England of their knockout wins over Mexico and Norway – however it could not in opposition to a Messi-inspired Argentina.
Tuchel changed goalscorer Gordon with defender Ezri Konsa with 18 minutes left and switched to a again 5. He then introduced Nico O’Reilly and Dan Burn on for Declan Rice and Reece James.
It was clear nearly immediately that Tuchel had referred to as it badly. It did nothing however invite Argentine stress and people late objectives. This one was nearly all on Tuchel.
If there was one statistic that brutally condemned his strategy, it was that England solely had 12% possession between taking the lead and Martinez’s successful aim practically 40 minutes later.
Such was England’s sudden attacking want within the closing moments that Tuchel threw on Ivan Toney after 96 minutes – his first look of the match.
Toney’s “blink and you will miss it” cap additionally introduced a few of Tuchel’s choices beneath scrutiny. Was Toney merely picked for a penalty shootout that by no means got here?
And the talk round Tuchel’s defensive picks, particularly at right-back, will proceed to rage.
Tuchel gambled on the injury-prone Reece James staying match – however when the Chelsea defender was sidelined with a hamstring difficulty, right-back all of the sudden turned an issue place.
The place changed into musical chairs between Jarell Quansah – injured in opposition to Panama then despatched off in opposition to Mexico – Djed Spence and Ezri Konsa earlier than James was again for the semi-final.
All this whereas Trent Alexander-Arnold watched from afar, his pure presents ignored by Tuchel on the idea of defensive frailty.
And because the ashes are raked over, Tuchel’s determination to disregard the creativity of Cole Palmer and Phil Foden – simple to say with hindsight given each had poor seasons with Chelsea and Manchester Metropolis – and Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White shall be revisited.
Jordan Henderson, whose match resulted in weird circumstances when he broke an arm amid the celebrations after the win in opposition to Mexico, was taken for his affect across the squad however was by no means going to be a severe on-field performer.
If Tuchel valued his professionalism and character a lot on this space, why not take Henderson on his backroom employees and open up a spot for a youthful, extra artistic participant?
This was a determined day for England – and Tuchel and his tactical strategy.
A day when it may simply have been mentioned, because the track goes: “Meet the brand new boss. Identical because the outdated boss.”
