Gary Lineker points finger at ‘unfathomable’ Thomas Tuchel decision after England loss to Argentina

Former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel will not be leading England to World Cup glory after they were beaten by Argentina in the semi-final in Atlanta on Wednesday night

Gary Lineker has described Thomas Tuchel’s tactics in England’s World Cup semi-final defeat by Argentina as “unfathomable”.

England took the lead early in the second half through Anthony Gordon but paid for a negative approach thereafter as Enzo Fernandez struck in the 85th minute before Lautaro Martinez’s stoppage-time winner.

England boss Tuchel made several defensive substitutions, bringing on Ezri Konsa, Nico O’Reilly and Dan Burn, but they could not stop Lionel Messi setting up both goals from the right wing.

Speaking on The Rest is Football on Netflix, former England striker Lineker said: “I found it absolutely unfathomable that, if your tactic is to sit everyone deep, you do that against the greatest player ever to play football.

“I think he’s just cementing that game after game after game. Most goals in the World Cup, most assists in the World Cup. And he moves to the right, and you play a back five, and you still don’t go and get tight to him.

“Just put someone on him. He had so much space. He just whipped ball after ball after ball into the box.”

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Former midfielder Joe Cole cited a negative mentality in sight of victory after England lost a third successive World Cup semi-final.

Cole said: “It was deflating, wasn’t it? Because we’ve been here before. I think it’s the same problems. If you ever take England on and get it done, you have to get over the hurdle where the fear of failure just paralyses England teams.

“Twelve per cent possession after we scored the goal, that tells you there’s something there. It’s a mindset. We could talk about tactics, substitutions and everything like that, but ultimately it comes from a manager.

“Too many times, it’s like a panic sets in when we’re nearly there. We’ve got it, and then we just trip over our own feet.”

Tuchel signed a new contract to stay as England until the end of Euro 2028 ahead of the tournament, and those plans haven’t changed. He retains the Football Association’s backing.

Speaking after the Argentina loss, the head coach said: “I have a contract until the home Euros and I’m looking forward to that even like now it is difficult to look that far ahead.”

England flew back to their Kansas City base after Wednesday’s agonising loss in Georgia, where FA chief executive Mark Bullingham praised Tuchel.

“It is heartbreaking to be so close,” he said. “The players and Thomas gave it everything today and the squad, coaches and staff could not have worked harder during the tournament.

“I would like to thank them all – and also give my heartfelt thanks to our wonderful fans here in the USA and at home. We felt your support every step of the way and we are all so disappointed not to go further.”