Three England players privately criticised Tuchel's tactics
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- England lost 2-1 to Argentina in Wednesday's World Cup semi-final, surrendering a 1-0 lead with 35 minutes remaining and falling short of their first men's World Cup final since 1966.
- At least three senior England players privately criticised the team's tactical approach in the closing stages, with one source telling BBC Sport: "They went too deep too early."
- Thomas Tuchel said dropping deeper was "never the plan" but blamed losing duels and admitted ball control "is maybe not in our DNA like it is in the Spanish DNA or Argentinian or Brazilian DNA."
- Wayne Rooney said the defeat "started from the manager and the decisions he made," while Tuchel set England up with a back-five to defend their advantage.
- FA chief executive Mark Bullingham continues to back Tuchel, though the Football Association will conduct a post-tournament review after Saturday's bronze medal match against France.
Why it matters: The player-manager friction creates an awkward backdrop for Tuchel's Euro 2028 qualifying campaign, with at least three senior players privately questioning his semi-final tactics. His DNA admission undercuts the case that his appointment was the tactical upgrade over Gareth Southgate, even though FA chief Mark Bullingham continues to back him ahead of Saturday's bronze medal match against France.
