Kane openly criticizes Tuchel after England's cruel World Cup semi-final elimination

England fell in the World Cup semi-final against Argentina (2-1), eliminated in extra time by a goal from Lisandro Martinez. Harry Kane, captain of the Three Lions, did not wait to question the tactical choices of Thomas Tuchel.

Yet it was England who opened the scoring shortly after the restart, thanks to Anthony Gordon (55’). But instead of seeking a second goal, Tuchel’s men retreated to protect their advantage. A defensive posture that proved costly: Enzo Fernandez equalized five minutes from the end of regular time, before Lisandro Martinez sealed Argentina’s victory in stoppage time.

“I’m gutted for the players, for everyone, the team, the staff, the fans,” Kane told journalists. The striker then directly targeted his manager’s strategy: “We played well for most of the match. When we went 1-0 up, we gave the impression of trying to hold the score, which at this level is not enough.”

The changes made by Tuchel after England’s goal illustrated his intention: centre-back Ezri Konsa replaced Anthony Gordon in the final twenty minutes, then Dan Burn, also a centre-back, took Declan Rice’s place in midfield. A double defensive substitution that left England without answers against Argentina’s waves of attack.

Facing criticism, Tuchel stood by his choices without hesitation: “No one can know what would have happened if we had made different decisions. There’s no point dwelling on it. I’m responsible for it, I accept the criticism.” The German coach also confirmed he will continue in his role until Euro 2028, to be hosted in England.

For the Three Lions, the curse continues. Since their only World Cup title in 1966, England has never reached a World Cup final. Forty years after their quarter-final defeat to Argentina in Mexico, and twenty-eight years after their last-16 loss in Saint-Étienne, the South American bogey has struck again.