Tuchel defiant: 'No regrets' despite England's passivity
England manager Thomas Tuchel insisted he has "no regrets" after his side's 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the World Cup semi-final, but admitted his team "got too passive" after taking the lead. The Three Lions were on course for a final berth when Anthony Gordon scored early in the second half, only for two late goals to send the reigning champions through to face Spain.
"Once we went 1-0 up we got too passive," Tuchel said. "It's disappointing but I have no regrets about our approach."
Messi-inspired Argentina complete stunning comeback
Lionel Messi was the architect of England's downfall, setting up Enzo Fernandez for the equaliser in the 85th minute before supplying the pass for Lautaro Martinez's dramatic winner in stoppage time. The victory sparked wild celebrations, but was also overshadowed by controversy as Argentina players displayed a banner referencing the Falkland Islands.
Rooney questions substitutions, Kane rues mentality
Former England captain Wayne Rooney expressed frustration with Tuchel's second-half changes, which he felt invited pressure. "Oh no," Rooney was heard saying on commentary. Meanwhile, skipper Harry Kane admitted that trying to protect the lead was the wrong approach. "We seemed to just try and hold on which at this level is not enough," Kane said.
Falklands banner adds tension to defeat
The post-match scenes saw Argentina players unfurl a banner reading "Las Malvinas son Argentinas," reigniting a long-standing political dispute. FIFA are expected to investigate the incident, with the world champions likely facing a fine. The controversy added a bitter edge to England's exit, though Prince William and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer both praised the team's efforts, urging them to "hold their heads high."
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