England stars voice strong views on Argentina World Cup loss
Squad members reportedly pressed their views on Thomas Tuchel's late tactics, while the team has since bounced back in the Nations League.
Key points
- England players reportedly aired strong views about the World Cup semi-final defeat by Argentina during a squad meeting
- The meeting was held with head coach Thomas Tuchel, according to BBC Sport
- Some players were unhappy with the team's approach after taking a late lead
- Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham were said to be particularly forthright
- England have since scored 12 goals without conceding in three matches
England players have reportedly voiced strong opinions about their World Cup semi-final defeat by Argentina, according to BBC Sport. The views came up at a squad review led by head coach Thomas Tuchel. The review was part of a Football Association process to gather opinions from the squad.
BBC Sport reports that the meeting took place with Tuchel at the start of the September international break. Its sources say the players felt that, now they had been heard, they could put the defeat behind them. The reports differ on timing, with some describing the discussions as taking place at the end of September.
Frustration over the late stages
The main source of unhappiness concerned Tuchel’s instructions for the closing minutes of the Argentina game. Anthony Gordon had given England a 55th-minute lead. Enzo Fernandez equalised five minutes from time, and Lautaro Martinez scored a winner in stoppage time.
BBC Sport has previously reported that several senior players had doubts about the approach. They believed it was too cautious and defensive. Some felt the team should have pushed harder to attack Argentina and secure the result.
Tuchel reportedly argued that the quality of the opposition was a key reason for the late defeat. Lionel Messi was in the Argentina side. Not all players accepted that explanation. Several felt England were the stronger team, man for man, and noted that Argentina had 38-year-old Nicolas Otamendi on the pitch for the final 18 minutes.
Kane and Bellingham speak out
Every player was given the chance to speak at the meeting. BBC Sport says captain Harry Kane was direct and forceful in his views. Jude Bellingham was also said to be especially candid, arguing that the current squad could continue to take the game to Argentina.
Bellingham’s role in the discussion is said to show his growing standing in the squad. Many within the group reportedly believe the Real Madrid midfielder could become captain once Kane is no longer playing for England.
Relations improve and results follow
BBC Sport reports that the discussions appear to have helped. England lost 3-2 to Spain at Wembley in their first Nations League match in September. Since then, they have scored 12 goals without conceding in three matches against the Czech Republic and Croatia.
The relationship between Bellingham and Tuchel also appears to have improved. Tuchel said last week that things had been up and down, but that the two were now in a good place. He described Bellingham as a top and very influential player.
England’s next test comes soon. The side is scheduled to play Croatia at home on Thursday. Two days later, the reigning world champions await in the Spanish capital, where England meet Spain on Sunday. Those matches are expected to show how the new working relationship under Tuchel is developing.
Frequently asked questions
Why did England players hold a review meeting?
BBC Sport reports that the Football Association process included gathering the opinions of the squad. The meeting with Thomas Tuchel was part of that process.
What were players unhappy about after the Argentina game?
According to BBC Sport, some players disagreed with Tuchelu0026#039;s instructions for the closing stages. They believed the approach was too negative and defensive after Argentina scored twice late on.
When is Englandu0026#039;s next match?
England are scheduled to play Croatia at home on Thursday. A Sunday fixture against Spain in the Spanish capital follows, according to BBC Sport.
Sources
This article was written with the help of AI from reports by the outlets listed above. See our Editorial Policy. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.
