'Oh No' Wayne Rooney Frustrated by England Substitutions in World Cup Semi-Final Defeat
Argentina took control after England’s defensive changes and scored twice late, with the Three Lions holding just 12% possession after Gordon’s opener.
- On Wednesday, July 15, 2026, England lost the World Cup semi-final 2-1 to Argentina at Atlanta Stadium, missing a chance to reach the tournament final for the first time in 60 years.
- Manager Thomas Tuchel replaced former Everton winger Anthony Gordon with Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa, eventually shifting to a defensive formation to protect a 1-0 lead, which proved ineffective against the world champions.
- Former England striker Wayne Rooney and former Liverpool forward Michael Owen criticized the tactical approach, noting England had just 12% possession after the opener. Rooney said, "The gamble he made was to go with five at the back, which allowed them to dictate the game."
- Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez and Inter striker Lautaro Martinez scored within eight minutes to secure Argentina's victory. The holders now face Spain in Sunday's final, while England faces France in Saturday's third-placed match.
- Reflecting on the defeat, Rooney remarked that England "deserved to get beat," failing to maintain pressure. The loss leaves the team considering tactical choices after passing up a historic World Cup final appearance.
36 Articles
36 Articles
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When the mid-final of the World Championship seemed lost, Argentina remembered that suffering is moved. England never thought of having the ball and simply tried to survive the threats of the opponent and the shots that Thomas Tuchel was giving on his own team. Scaloni didn't run away much from the script giving the victory culture of the albiceleste to express itself, with Messi claiming eternity. Here is the analysis of Tomás da Cunha and Rui …
'Lost his Tuch?' -- England boss hammered by media after World Cup exit
Thomas Tuchel may have criticised his England stars for being too "passive" in their World Cup semi-final defeat against Argentina, but it is the beleaguered German who has come under fire from the British…
Thomas Tuchel sends strong message to England critics after excruciating Argentina World Cup loss
Thomas Tuchel has hit back at his England critics and insisted he has no regrets over the defensive substitutions that preceded the Three Lions' devastating World Cup semi-final defeat by Argentina.The England manager found himself under intense scrutiny after his side surrendered a 1-0 advantage in Atlanta, with former internationals Wayne Rooney and Alan Shearer among those questioning his decisions.Anthony Gordon's superb finish had moved Eng…
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