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Tuchel’s Back‑Five Blunder: England Exits World Cup

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After England’s World Cup semi‑final loss to Argentina, Sky Sports examines the big questions facing Thomas Tuchel and the Three Lions. Five minutes plus stoppage time away from a first final since 1966, the game was closer than many thought. Tuchel now faces criticism for abandoning a back four for a back five at 72 minutes, a move that allowed the hosts to press, shift the game’s psychology, and ultimately overturn the 1‑0 advantage.

Was the coach simply not trusting his players to finish the job? Tuchel said he didn’t expect England to dive so deep, but the change proved counter‑productive. With Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham on the pitch, the decision SPSed the squad’s momentum and left Argentina with relentless pressure. The debate continues over squad choices, injuries to Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, and the reliance on a back‑up line that never quite fit.

Despite the loss, England remain fourth in the rankings and still have a chance to make history. The Three Lions will face France in the bronze‑medal match on Saturday and Spain at Wembley in September, while Tuchel’s future with the FA hangs in the balance.