Argentina’s final hopes hinge on Thomas Tuchel’s surprise tactics

Argentina secured a place in the World Cup final after Lautaro Martinez’s stoppage‑time winner overturned England’s 55th‑minute lead, leaving the South American side stunned by Thomas Tuchel’s defensive substitutions. The Argentine players had expected a pace‑driven second half, but Tuchel’s back‑five reshaped the contest. The Independent reported that Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni was braced for the introduction of either Bukayo Saka or Noni Madueke, if not both, because his staff knew their side’s main vulnerability is exposure to speed when the defence is stretched. Scaloni and his staff reminded the squad that a stretched defence invites quick attackers, so they expected England to unleash pace in the second half. After Anthony Gordon’s 55th‑minute goal, Argentine players feared exactly that scenario. Instead, Thomas Tuchel switched to a deeper defensive shape, moving to a back five and opting not to bring on Saka or Madueke at all, a decision noted by PA. Tuchel later admitted that a third‑place play‑off with France was not a fixture either side wanted.

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England’s first change saw Ezri Konsa replace Anthony Gordon in the 72nd minute, followed by Dan Burn and Nico O’Reilly coming on for Reece James and Declan Rice in the 82nd minute, and Marcus Rashford and Ivan Toney entering in the 90th minute. Argentina answered by introducing Lautaro Martinez for left‑back Nicolas Tagliafico on the 81st minute and later bringing on Nico Gonzalez at left‑back in the 62nd minute. Between Gordon’s opener and Martinez’s stoppage‑time winner, England held just 12 % of possession, prompting Scaloni to abandon defensive plans and go even more attacking. Harry Kane later remarked that trying to “hold on” to a 1‑0 lead was “not enough at this level”, a view echoed by centre‑back Marc Guehi who said the team should have kept pushing.

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The Football Association’s chief executive Mark Bullingham expressed satisfaction with Tuchel’s overall performance, and the FA is now focused on preparing England for a home Euro 2028, a tournament Tuchel is contracted to lead after signing an extension in February.