New Delhi: England’s semi-final loss to Argentina on Wednesday, despite taking the lead in the game, is only the second time in the 21st century that a team has lost a match at this stage after going ahead. The only other time this has happened was in the 2018 World Cup when England once again lost against Croatia despite taking a lead.
The dramatic late turnaround in Argentina’s 2-1 victory was triggered by a stark contrast in mid-game management—Thomas Tuchel’s ultra-defensive retreat against Lionel Scaloni’s aggressive attacking modifications, combined with Lionel Messi switching positions to orchestrate the comeback.
Following Anthony Gordon’s opening goal in the 55th minute, England completely abandoned their successful high-pressing 4-2-3-1 structure. Instead, Tuchel began introducing heavy defensive reinforcements, dropping the team into a low block.
In the 82nd minute, Tuchel doubled down on defensive shapes. He introduced centre-back Dan Burn and defensive midfielder Nico O’Reilly, subbing off James and anchor Declan Rice. By the end of normal time, England had six recognised defenders on the pitch.
This allowed Lionel Messi, who had found little space in the opening half, to operate at more advanced areas of the field, leading to the two assists that underlined Argentina’s late comeback.
This negative approach choked off England’s ability to clear or maintain transitions. Between Gordon’s opener and Argentina’s match-winner, England managed a meagre 12 per cent possession and didn’t record a single touch inside Argentina’s penalty box.
“At the moment, no regrets,” Tuchel told the BBC. “The team gave everything, and we were very, very close. I think we deserved to be 1-0 up. We played one of our better matches, maybe the best match in the circumstances. The team was top, we couldn’t get it over the line. So, no regrets.”
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A familiar pattern
England’s only other semi-final appearance in this century – 2018 – ended in a similar fashion. The Three Lions took the lead against Croatia in the fifth minute through a free-kick by Kieran Trippier.
However, the young English team, which was transitioning through a generational change were undone by two goals scored by the Croatians in the 68th and 109th minute, respectively. The team was not expected to go far in Russia, but under manager Gareth Southgate, the English were able to play good football to find themselves in the semi-finals.
The statistic is one familiar to English football. England have not made it to the finals of a FIFA World Cup since 1966, which they won. The team has made it to the semi-finals only thrice since 1966—1990, 2018 and 2026.
Further, the team has never won a UEFA Euro Championship, despite making it to the finals in both the 2021 and 2024 editions. The current generation of players is considered to be some of the best in the history of English football.
However, despite two finals losses at the Euros, the English team were unable to hold on to their lead against World Champions Argentina. Manager Thomas Tuchel was brought into the hot seat in 2024 to end England’s desperate trophy drought.
For the English, their hunt for an international trophy continues into its seventh decade, with the Euros up next in 2028, followed by the World Cup in 2030.
(Edited by Saptak Datta)