As soon as Gordon put England forward on this newest stormy episode of an previous and bitter rivalry, Tuchel selected a rearguard motion.
That had labored for England of their knockout wins over Mexico and Norway – however it might not towards a Messi-inspired Argentina.
Tuchel changed goalscorer Gordon with defender Ezri Konsa with 18 minutes left and switched to a again 5. He then introduced Nico O’Reilly and Dan Burn on for Declan Rice and Reece James.
It was clear nearly immediately that Tuchel had known as it badly. It did nothing however invite Argentine strain and people late targets. This one was nearly all on Tuchel.
If there was one statistic that brutally condemned his strategy, it was that England solely had 12% possession between taking the lead and Martinez’s profitable aim practically 40 minutes later.
Such was England’s sudden attacking want within the closing moments that Tuchel threw on Ivan Toney after 96 minutes – his first look of the event.
Toney’s “blink and you will miss it” cap additionally introduced a few of Tuchel’s choices below scrutiny. Was Toney merely picked for a penalty shootout that by no means got here?
And the controversy round Tuchel’s defensive picks, particularly at right-back, will proceed to rage.
Tuchel gambled on the injury-prone Reece James staying match – however when the Chelsea defender was sidelined with a hamstring challenge, right-back abruptly turned an issue place.
The place was musical chairs between Jarell Quansah – injured towards Panama then despatched off towards Mexico – Djed Spence and Ezri Konsa earlier than James was again for the semi-final.
All this whereas Trent Alexander-Arnold watched from afar, his pure presents ignored by Tuchel on the premise of defensive frailty.
And because the ashes are raked over, Tuchel’s determination to disregard the creativity of Cole Palmer and Phil Foden – straightforward to say with hindsight given each had poor seasons with Chelsea and Manchester Metropolis – and Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White will probably be revisited.
Jordan Henderson, whose event led to weird circumstances when he broke an arm amid the celebrations after the win towards Mexico, was taken for his affect across the squad however was by no means going to be a severe on-field performer.
If Tuchel valued his professionalism and persona a lot on this space, why not take Henderson on his backroom workers and open up a spot for a youthful, extra artistic participant?
This was a determined day for England – and Tuchel and his tactical strategy.
A day when it might simply have been stated, because the music goes: “Meet the brand new boss. Similar because the previous boss.”
