Thomas Tuchel faces intense criticism after England's semifinal defeat to Argentina at the 2026 World Cup, though his tactics were not the sole reason for the loss.

The article highlights how Argentina's enduring strength, spearheaded by Lionel Messi's brilliance, played a critical role in England's downfall.

Despite Tuchel's efforts to adapt his strategies, including a defensive switch after Anthony Gordon's early goal, the team struggled against Argentina's relentless pressure and Messi's ability to dictate play.

FA CEO Mark Bullingham had previously praised Tuchel's appointment as a chance for England to finally win the World Cup, but the defeat marks another near miss.

The piece also notes how Argentina's journey to the final has been marked by resilience, with Messi's performances against retreating English defenses proving decisive.

Comparisons are drawn to past World Cup campaigns, emphasizing that while Tuchel's tactical decisions were scrutinized, the broader challenge of facing a world-class team like Argentina cannot be overstated.