Thomas Tuchel: How England unravelled after Ezri Konsa substitution as familiar failings rob Three Lions of World Cup final place
England's football team was eliminated from the World Cup following a 2-1 loss to Argentina. Analysts and fans have criticized manager Thomas Tuchel's tactical decision to switch to a back-five formation late in the game.
Why it matters
The defeat highlights the ongoing tactical struggles of the England national team in high-stakes international tournaments.
Thomas Tuchel was England's gambler. A squad few others would have picked. A backs-to-the-wall win over Mexico. Starting Morgan Rogers based on "a feeling from the coach". <p>But ultimately, one wager has seemingly cost England a place in a World Cup final.</p><p>The stage was set to write history. The first draft was being written when Anthony Gordon scored from Rogers' cross - vindicating the latest of Tuchel's gut instincts.</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.skysports.com/football/england-vs-argentina/report/549867"><strong>England 1-2 Argentina - Match report and reaction</strong></a></li><li><a href="https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12016/13563844/england-out-of-world-cup-harry-kane-says-holding-on-was-not-enough-against-argentina"><strong>Harry Kane: Holding on was not enough against Argentina</strong></a></li><li><a href="https://www.skysports.com/football/live-blog/12016/13427059/england-football-news-live-updates-schedule-and-analysis-of-thomas-tuchels-three-lions"><strong>England latest: Pundits and reporters criticise Thomas Tuchel's tactics</strong></a></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.skysports.com/football/england-vs-argentina/live/549867">As it happened</a> | <a href="https://www.skysports.com/football/england-vs-argentina/teams/549867">Teams</a> | <a href="https://www.skysports.com/football/england-vs-argentina/stats/549867">Stats</a></strong></li></ul><p>But in seven late minutes, everything fell apart.</p><p>In reality, the hinge was a substitution in the 71st minute.</p><img alt="ENGLAND PRE POSITIONS" src="https://e0.365dm.com/25/06/master/skysports-england-argentina_7298784.png" /> <img alt="ENGLAND POST POSITIONS" src="https://e0.365dm.com/25/06/master/skysports-england-argentina_7298785.png" /><p></p><p>Ezri Konsa's introduction and England's withdrawal to a back five for more than 20 minutes against the reigning World…
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