Argentina players shocked by England’s defensive approach in World Cup semi-final

Argentina expected England to become even more dangerous after taking the lead in their World Cup semi-final clash.

According to the Independent, the reigning champions were shocked by Thomas Tuchel’s defensive approach as Argentina came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory.

Lionel Scaloni and his coaching staff had prepared for England to increase their attacking threat in the second half, believing they would use pace to threaten their backline.

They expected Bukayo Saka or Noni Madueke to be introduced to stretch the game and exploit spaces behind Argentina’s defence.

That concern grew when Anthony Gordon put England ahead in the 55th minute. Argentina believed the goal would encourage England to attack with even greater intent. However, the opposite happened.

England gradually dropped deeper into their own half, allowing Argentina to enjoy more possession and territory. 

Scaloni still expected those attacking substitutions in the second half, but they never came. Rather than bringing on more attacking players, Tuchel decided to reinforce England’s defence.

Ezri Konsa replaced Gordon as England switched to a back five, while Dan Burn and Nico O’Reilly later came on in further defensive changes. 

The decisions reduced England’s ability to launch counter-attacks and gave Argentina greater confidence to commit players forward.

Recognising the shift in momentum, Scaloni abandoned his own cautious plans. Instead of keeping a defensive option available, he made bold attacking substitutions. 

Lautaro Martinez replaced left-back Nicolas Tagliafico, with Nico Gonzalez moving into a defensive role. The gamble paid off as Martinez scored the winning goal in stoppage time.

England struggled to keep hold of the ball after taking the lead, recording just 12 percent possession between Gordon’s opener and Martinez’s winner. 

It was only after Enzo Fernandez equalised in the 85th minute that Tuchel decided to bring on attacking players.

Argentina’s players later admitted they were surprised Saka or Madueke were not introduced, especially after making plans to deal with their pace in the second half.