Rooney slams Tuchel's substitutions for handing Argentina momentum in World Cup semi-final

Wayne Rooney has publicly condemned Thomas Tuchel’s substitution decisions in England’s World Cup semi-final defeat to holders Argentina, claiming the tactical shift to a back five told the players everything they needed to know about the manager’s intentions.

England had taken the lead through Anthony Gordon’s close-range finish early in the second half in Atlanta, but managed just 12 percent of possession between that goal and Argentina’s decisive second. Tuchel’s response — replacing Gordon with defender Ezri Konsa and retreating into a five-man backline with 18 minutes remaining — drew immediate criticism from the BBC Sport panel, with Rooney the most pointed in his assessment.

“When Thomas makes those changes, 100 percent the players will be stood on the pitch thinking, ‘Oh no,’” said the former Manchester United and England striker. “They will know what was coming.”

Rooney also highlighted the practical consequences of the shape change, arguing it removed England’s ability to retain possession and build any pressure. “When we got the ball, we had no outlets,” he said. “Everything was kicking it long. They pick it up, come again. So, it’s impossible. It’s impossible.”

Tuchel later acknowledged the switch to a back five was a reaction to what was already unfolding on the pitch rather than a pre-planned move, but that explanation has done little to quieten the criticism. Rooney reportedly told his BBC colleagues during the match that England would not even reach extra time — a prediction that proved accurate.

The BBC panel, which also featured Joe Hart, Micah Richards and Alan Shearer, spent considerable time dissecting England’s passive response to holding a lead against quality opposition. The criticism carries an uncomfortable echo for England supporters: comparisons with the late-tournament timidity that defined the Gareth Southgate era have already surfaced, with Tuchel having been appointed in part to convert Southgate’s steady progress into a first major trophy.

Tuchel is contracted to remain in charge through to the European Championship on home soil in two years. That timeline now comes with a significant question hanging over it — whether the manner of this defeat represents a tactical failure or something more deeply ingrained in how England approach the biggest moments.