Some England stars frustrated by Tuchel's plans after World Cup exit

England's defensive collapse, which led to their 2-1 loss to Argentina on Wednesday in the World Cup semifinal, has become a major point of contention and discussion among England's stars.

Sources revealed that a group of England stars feel deeply disappointed by the team's plan in the final stages of the match against Argentina.

The Three Lions took the lead with a goal 35 minutes before the end of the match and were on the verge of qualifying for their first World Cup final since winning the title in 1966.

But the match scenario changed suddenly, and the team and its coach faced criticism for ceding the initiative to the opponent, while Argentina was trying to reduce the deficit.

German coach Thomas Tuchel relied on five defenders to secure the lead, but Argentina snatched victory and a qualification ticket thanks to sustained attacking pressure in the final minutes.

The sources added that after the defeat in Atlanta, the players met with their families and close ones, and there was a feeling that excessive defense was the cause of the loss.

Sources learned that at least three England stars complained about the team's playing style during the final minutes against Argentina.

There is a belief that defensive retreating when leading is an automatic reaction from players.

But there is consensus among England players that Tuchel's substitutions and tactical adjustments were the cause of the increasingly defensive compactness.

Some players believe that the team should have had more freedom to press the ball in the final minutes to at least keep Argentina away from their goal, and to give the English defense a breather.

Some players had a clear feeling of the need for more boldness and courage in the final minutes of the match, not to score a second goal but to seek balance between withstanding Argentine pressure and disrupting their opponent's attack.

The BBC reported that Tuchel enjoys strong support from the CEO of the English Football Association, Mark Bullingham, but the criticism faced by the German coach will be factored into the FA's considerations.

The English FA will review the team's performance in the 2026 World Cup after returning to England following the match against France for the bronze medal on Saturday evening.