Not Tuchel or Pickford - Romero names man to blame for England's loss
Tottenham defender Cristian Romero claims that comments made by pundit Gary Neville motivated him and Lisandro Martinez during Argentina's World Cup victory over England. Romero dismissed the idea that tactical errors by England's management or goalkeeper were the primary cause of the loss, instead crediting Neville's criticism as a source of inspiration.
Why it matters
This highlights the psychological impact of media commentary on professional athletes and the ongoing discourse surrounding England's international football performance.
Cristian Romero has named who England fans should blame for England's World Cup exit - and it's not Thomas Tuchel or Jordan Pickford. The head coach has come in for scathing criticism for his negative tactics after Anthony Gordon put England in front early in the second half.
After a series of defensive substitutions, Enzo Fernandez equalised in the 85th minute with a long-range effort, which some believe Pickford should have kept out. With England in full defensive mode, Argentina continued to press and it was no surprise when Lautaro Martinez headed home in added time. However, according to Romero, it was Gary Neville who inspired him against the Three Lions. The Tottenham defender revealed that both he and Lisandro Martinez drew motivation from Neville's "stupid" remarks ahead of the semi-final.
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