Burn defends England's negative tactics after Argentina end their World Cup hopes

Dan Burn has defended England’s decision to sit deep after taking the lead against Argentina, insisting the side should not face heavy criticism for a defensive approach that had previously delivered results, after the world champions scored twice in the final ten minutes to reach the final.

England had looked well-organised and threatening until Anthony Gordon broke the deadlock, at which point Thomas Tuchel’s side became increasingly passive. Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez both scored late to overturn the lead and end England’s run.

Burn acknowledged that the gameplan ultimately unravelled but pointed to earlier successes with the same method. “I thought that we nailed the game plan up until we scored,” the defender said. “We knew what Argentina were going to do, and I thought we dealt with it pretty well. And then we got a little bit passive after the goal. Defended probably a little bit too deep.”

He added: “I think we conceded too many crosses and too many chances, and I think it’s hard because in the previous games we’ve defended those so well. So, I don’t think that we can take massive criticism for going into that.”

Tuchel had used a similar defensive structure to protect one-goal leads in wins over Mexico and Norway, and the head coach has since stood by his in-game decisions, noting that managers routinely attract criticism for the same tactics regardless of outcome.

Burn was candid about the emotional weight of the defeat, admitting the squad had genuinely believed this could be their moment. “Obviously, I’m very gutted right now, but I’m so proud of what the team has done,” he said. “We don’t even think anyone gave us a chance coming into this.”

“The brotherhood that we spoke about just took us a long way, and if I’m being honest, I thought we’d do it. I just had that feeling that this was our time, but I think Argentina showed why they’re world champions and they’ve been there and they’ve done it.”

England had not reached a World Cup final since 1966, and the defeat leaves Tuchel’s tactical approach under scrutiny heading into the next qualification cycle.