Tuchel let England down against Argentina, Ideye

Former Super Eagles striker Brown Ideye has blamed England manager Thomas Tuchel for the team’s shocking 2-1 loss to Argentina in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals. He said the German “destroyed the game” with his defensive substitutions, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.

England seemed set for their first men’s World Cup final since their 1966 win after Anthony Gordon scored in the 55th minute of the semi-final in Atlanta.

But Argentina made a late comeback. Enzo Fernandez equalized five minutes before full time. Lautaro Martinez then headed in Lionel Messi’s cross during stoppage time, sealing a 2-1 victory. This win booked Argentina a spot in the final against Spain.

Reacting to England’s defeat, Ideye criticized Tuchel’s tactics after the opening goal. He believes the manager gave up control too soon by switching to a defensive style.

“I am just upset because Thomas Tuchel finished the game. He destroyed the game and the team,” Ideye said while working as a pundit on Sporty TV.

“He had Marcus Rashford and Ivan Toney on the bench but he brought in defenders. You have to come out and play when you are one goal up.

“He started defending from the 72nd minute and you can’t do that against a team like Argentina who keep the ball and look for Messi all the time. It’s sad for them to go out like this.”

After Gordon’s goal, Argentina increased the pressure. They were stopped several times by goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, who made a fantastic save to deny Nico Gonzalez’s header. Alexis Mac Allister also hit the woodwork before Fernandez scored with a great 25-yard shot to equalize.

Tuchel decided to strengthen his defense with four central defenders, but Argentina kept dominating the game. Mac Allister hit the post again before Martinez scored in the 92nd minute, heading in Messi’s pass to send the defending champions to another World Cup final.

England will now play France in the third-place match. Argentina will aim to defend their world title against Spain on Sunday.