England manager Thomas Tuchel has no regrets about his side's performance against Argentina in the World Cup semifinal, which they lost 2-1 in Atlanta. While England was knocked out of the race for the final, Argentina reached their second successive final. England took the lead through Anthony Gordon’s goal in the 56th minute but did not attack enough afterwards; instead, they played defensively and failed to stop the Argentinian attack from breaking through late in the game, resulting in defeat.&nbsp;England surrendered possession, which led to Argentina creating more chances and eventually converting those into two remarkable goals. While Enzo Fernández’s long-range volley equalised for Argentina, Lautaro Martínez’s header seven minutes later secured a famous 2-1 win for the defending champions.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/argentina-beat-england-in-second-semifinal-qualify-for-world-cup-final-spain-july-19-new-jersey-lionel-messi-assists-enzo-fern-ndez-lautaro-mart-nez-1784150252117">Argentina beat England 2-1 in second semifinal, book final berth against Spain</a> &nbsp;The manager, however, admitted that his team became ‘too passive’ after leading at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. &nbsp;"We're disappointed, we were so close, but we got too passive after we scored and conceded a lot of chances," Tuchel said to the BBC. "We could not turn the ball possession around and then conceded so many crosses, chances and shots. &nbsp;"We were close but couldn't keep the level up after we scored."

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Even though his decision to substitute the goalscorer Gordon for defender Ezri Konsa in the 72nd minute is being heavily criticised, Tuchel said he did so to help the players. &nbsp;"I did also offensive substitutions in the last games, we just tried to help the players," he said. "We conceded a chance straight away, and we decided to go to a back five because the gaps were far too open. &nbsp;"Straight after our goal, without any substitutions, we conceded way too many crosses and way too many chances, so we tried to help. &nbsp;“Of course, the responsibility is on the coach, and if it doesn't go well, it is easy to say it was wrong.”<h2>‘We couldn’t win any ball’</h2>When asked why England had shied away from a more adventurous approach when leading, Tuchel replied, "Yes, but it doesn't help if you can't get the ball. We couldn't get out. &nbsp;"Of course, we wanted to go for the second goal, but I did not have the feeling that offensive substitutions would help. &nbsp;"We couldn't win any balls, we couldn't keep the ball, so I think it was not a structural problem, we changed nothing. But the match changed completely." &nbsp;England will now face France in the 3rd-place playoff, while Argentina and Spain will fight for the World Cup glory in New Jersey on July 19.

Thomas Tuchel insists he has "no regrets" over his tactics and defensive substitutions after England’s dramatic 2-1 World Cup semifinal loss to Argentina.

England manager Thomas Tuchel has no regrets about his side's performance against Argentina in the World Cup semifinal, which they lost 2-1 in Atlanta. While England was knocked out of the race for the final, Argentina reached their second successive final. England took the lead through Anthony Gordon’s goal in the 56th minute but did not attack enough afterwards; instead, they played defensively and failed to stop the Argentinian attack from breaking through late in the game, resulting in defeat. England surrendered possession, which led to Argentina creating more chances and eventually converting those into two remarkable goals. While Enzo Fernández’s long-range volley equalised for Argentina, Lautaro Martínez’s header seven minutes later secured a famous 2-1 win for the defending champions. Also read| Argentina beat England 2-1 in second semifinal, book final berth against Spain The manager, however, admitted that his team became ‘too passive’ after leading at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. "We're disappointed, we were so close, but we got too passive after we scored and conceded a lot of chances," Tuchel said to the BBC. "We could not turn the ball possession around and then conceded so many crosses, chances and shots. "We were close but couldn't keep the level up after we scored."

Thomas Tuchel insists he has "no regrets" over his tactics and defensive substitutions after England’s dramatic 2-1 World Cup semifinal loss to Argentina.

Thomas Tuchel defends tactics after England World Cup dream ends in Argentina loss

Fatigue cannot be an excuse for Argentina at any given point during their pulsating World Cup semifinal against England in Atlanta. Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni said he is not concerned about players getting tired or anything else standing in his team’s way to another World Cup final, as they gear up for the clash against old foes. The defending world champions will aim to reach consecutive finals by beating the Three Lions, against whom they share a rich history at this tournament.&nbsp;"We are in good shape, and we really can't wait. This is a World Cup semi-final, and our hopes are intact. We are so grateful to these players for getting us here again," Scaloni said on the eve of the showdown in Atlanta. &nbsp;Led by 39-year-old Lionel Messi, Argentina’s ageing squad has struggled to beat teams in regular time in the knockouts, with two of the three contested matches decided in extra time.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-vs-argentina-world-cup-semifinal-declan-rice-declared-fit-for-semifinal-confirms-coach-thomas-tuchel-1784080651035">England vs Argentina: Declan Rice declared fit for semifinal, confirms coach Thomas Tuchel</a> &nbsp;While Argentina narrowly beat the World Cup debutants, Cape Verde, 3-2, they pulled off a brilliant comeback to knock Egypt out of the World Cup with a late win (again 3-2) in regular time. Against Switzerland in their quarterfinal, Argentina scored two goals in the extra time to win the match and qualify for the semis.

"A month and a half ago, I would have taken getting to the semi-final if you had offered me that, so I don't mind how we got here," said Scaloni, who coached the Albiceleste to glory in 2022. "I can't reproach my players. Whether we are tired or not, I don't care. This is a World Cup semi-final." &nbsp;Meanwhile, the two countries have clashed on five previous occasions at World Cups -- most notably the 1986 quarter-final when Diego Maradona opened the scoring with the infamous 'Hand of God' before his superb individual effort sealed victory. &nbsp;"I think everyone remembers that game, and Diego's performance, above all, the second goal, which will remain in all our hearts because it was so beautiful," Scaloni said. "It was a marvellous goal, and any football lover remembers it that way. And it just happened to be against England." &nbsp;The winner will face Spain in the final on July 19 in New Jersey, and the loser of this match will go one-on-one against France in the 3rd place playoff fixture.

A fierce Lionel Scaloni has issued a blunt ultimatum to his Argentina squad ahead of their World Cup semifinal against England, insisting "tired or not, I don't care". Read the manager's full pre-match tactical stance and historical reflections.

Fatigue cannot be an excuse for Argentina at any given point during their pulsating World Cup semifinal against England in Atlanta. Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni said he is not concerned about players getting tired or anything else standing in his team’s way to another World Cup final, as they gear up for the clash against old foes. The defending world champions will aim to reach consecutive finals by beating the Three Lions, against whom they share a rich history at this tournament. "We are in good shape, and we really can't wait. This is a World Cup semi-final, and our hopes are intact. We are so grateful to these players for getting us here again," Scaloni said on the eve of the showdown in Atlanta. Led by 39-year-old Lionel Messi, Argentina’s ageing squad has struggled to beat teams in regular time in the knockouts, with two of the three contested matches decided in extra time. Also read| England vs Argentina: Declan Rice declared fit for semifinal, confirms coach Thomas Tuchel While Argentina narrowly beat the World Cup debutants, Cape Verde, 3-2, they pulled off a brilliant comeback to knock Egypt out of the World Cup with a late win (again 3-2) in regular time. Against Switzerland in their quarterfinal, Argentina scored two goals in the extra time to win the match and qualify for the semis.

A fierce Lionel Scaloni has issued a blunt ultimatum to his Argentina squad ahead of their World Cup semifinal against England, insisting "tired or not, I don't care". Read the manager's full pre-match tactical stance and historical reflections.

‘Tired or Not, I Don’t Care’: Scaloni issues blunt ultimatum to Argentina stars for World Cup semifinal

In a massive boost to England, their holding midfielder Declan Rice has been declared fit for the crucial World Cup semifinal against Argentina in Atlanta. Rice was under a cloud in the lead-up to England’s quarterfinal against Norway and was taken off at half-time by head coach Thomas Tuchel for the same reason. Ahead of England’s last-four tie against their old foes Argentina, Tuchel confirmed that, barring two players, everyone is fit and available for selection.&nbsp;The two unavailable players are Jordan Henderson and centre-back Jarell Quansah. While Henderson is ruled out with a broken arm, on which he has had surgery in the US, Quansah is serving a red-card ban for his foul during England's Round of 16 match against Mexico.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-2026-kylian-mbappe-blunt-take-after-spain-loss-our-performance-was-not-worthy-of-a-semifinal-1784073274534">Kylian Mbappe’s blunt take after Spain loss: ‘Our performance was not worthy of a semifinal’</a> &nbsp;"Everyone is fit to start, and everyone was in training except for Jarell (Quansah), who is suspended and Jordan Henderson," Tuchel said in a chat with the reporters in Atlanta on the eve of the second semifinal. &nbsp;"Rice is ready to start and as well recovered as possible," said Tuchel, who was excited by the prospect of seeing England renew their long-standing rivalry with Argentina. "It is a big rivalry, two big football nations; everyone who loves football and follows the World Cup knows about this and about what it brings.” &nbsp;"We expect an intense and emotional match, with a lot of momentum swings."

Meanwhile, England-Argentina World Cup history goes back to the 1986 quarterfinal in Mexico, when Diego Maradona scored a brace to kick England out of the tournament – the first with the infamous ‘Hand of God’ and the second with perhaps the greatest goal of all time. 12 years later, in Saint-Étienne, Argentina won on penalties in the last-16 fixture to again knock England out &nbsp;"We don't use it as a fuel," Tuchel said of the rivalry. "We know why we are here; we know what we want, we were never shy of expecting that from ourselves, and of saying it or of dreaming it. &nbsp;"We are in the semifinals, and we arrive very hungry. We want to have the next win. We respect our opponent, but we don't dip into historic events, and we don't make it bigger than it is."

England handed a massive injury boost as manager Thomas Tuchel confirms holding midfielder Declan Rice is fully fit to start the high-stakes World Cup semifinal against rivals Argentina. Read the full squad fitness update and Tuchel's thoughts on the historic fixture.

In a massive boost to England, their holding midfielder Declan Rice has been declared fit for the crucial World Cup semifinal against Argentina in Atlanta. Rice was under a cloud in the lead-up to England’s quarterfinal against Norway and was taken off at half-time by head coach Thomas Tuchel for the same reason. Ahead of England’s last-four tie against their old foes Argentina, Tuchel confirmed that, barring two players, everyone is fit and available for selection. The two unavailable players are Jordan Henderson and centre-back Jarell Quansah. While Henderson is ruled out with a broken arm, on which he has had surgery in the US, Quansah is serving a red-card ban for his foul during England's Round of 16 match against Mexico. Also read| Kylian Mbappe’s blunt take after Spain loss: ‘Our performance was not worthy of a semifinal’ "Everyone is fit to start, and everyone was in training except for Jarell (Quansah), who is suspended and Jordan Henderson," Tuchel said in a chat with the reporters in Atlanta on the eve of the second semifinal. "Rice is ready to start and as well recovered as possible," said Tuchel, who was excited by the prospect of seeing England renew their long-standing rivalry with Argentina. "It is a big rivalry, two big football nations; everyone who loves football and follows the World Cup knows about this and about what it brings.” "We expect an intense and emotional match, with a lot of momentum swings."

England handed a massive injury boost as manager Thomas Tuchel confirms holding midfielder Declan Rice is fully fit to start the high-stakes World Cup semifinal against rivals Argentina. Read the full squad fitness update and Tuchel's thoughts on the historic fixture.

England vs Argentina: Declan Rice declared fit for semifinal, confirms coach Thomas Tuchel

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Thomas Tuchel defends tactics after England World Cup dream ends in Argentina loss

Scaloni issues blunt ultimatum to Argentina stars for World Cup semifinal vs ENG

England vs Argentina: Declan Rice declared fit for semifinal, confirms Tuchel