The Big Mistake Tuchel Made That ‘Destroyed’ England Against Argentina

• Former Super Eagles striker Brown Ideye has criticised England manager Thomas Tuchel, accusing him of “destroying the game” with defensive substitutions.

Former Super Eagles striker Brown Ideye has criticised England manager Thomas Tuchel following the Three Lions’ heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals, blaming the German coach’s tactical decisions for the collapse.

England appeared destined for their first men’s World Cup final since 1966 after Anthony Gordon fired them into the lead in the 55th minute of the encounter in Atlanta.

However, the match turned dramatically in the closing stages as Enzo Fernandez equalised five minutes from time before Lautaro Martinez headed home Lionel Messi’s cross deep into stoppage time to send Argentina into the final, where they will face Spain.

Reacting to the result during punditry duties on Sporty TV, Ideye said Tuchel handed the initiative to Argentina by switching to a defensive approach too early instead of trying to extend England’s lead.

“I am just upset because Thomas Tuchel finished the game. He destroyed the game and the team,” Ideye said.

“He had Marcus Rashford and Ivan Toney on the bench but he brought in defenders. You have to come out and play when you are one goal up.

“He started defending from the 72nd minute and you can’t do that against a team like Argentina who keep the ball and look for Messi all the time. It’s sad for them to go out like this.”

After taking the lead, England came under sustained pressure from the reigning world champions.

Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made several crucial saves, including a brilliant reflex stop to deny Nico Gonzalez, while Alexis Mac Allister struck the woodwork before Fernandez eventually levelled the match with a stunning long-range effort.

Despite Tuchel introducing additional defenders in a bid to protect the scoreline, Argentina continued to dominate possession and create chances.

Mac Allister hit the post for a second time before Martinez completed the comeback in the 92nd minute, heading home Messi’s cross to seal Argentina’s place in another World Cup final.

England will now face France in the third-place play-off, while Argentina will battle Spain on Sunday in their bid to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup title.