Anthony Gordon’s 55th-minute goal put the Three Lions within touching distance of their first World Cup final since 1966.
Until then, England had competed. They pressed Argentina high, fought for the ball in midfield and carried a threat on the break. The plan was working.
The goal changed their approach completely.
England dropped deeper, stopped putting pressure on the ball and allowed Argentina to attack in waves. Harry Kane became isolated while Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice spent more time protecting their penalty area than influencing the game.
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England had just 12% possession between Gordon’s opener and Lautaro Martinez’s winner.
Thomas Tuchel then doubled down.
Gordon was replaced by centre-back Ezri Konsa in the 72nd minute as England moved to a back five. The change removed their goalscorer and one of the few players capable of carrying the ball away from danger.
Argentina no longer had to worry about the space behind their defence. They could push forward knowing England had little pace left to punish them.
Tuchel added Dan Burn and Nico O’Reilly in the 82nd minute. England now had plenty of defenders on the pitch, but no way out.
Three minutes later, Enzo Fernandez found space outside the penalty area and fired Argentina level. England had protected the area behind their defence while leaving the space in front of it exposed.
The winner followed in stoppage time. Despite all the extra defensive cover, England allowed Lionel Messi to deliver a cross and Martinez to head Argentina into the final.
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Having more defenders did not lead to better defending.
Tuchel later admitted England had become too passive and conceded too many crosses, shots and chances. He said the move to a back five was designed to close the gaps and make England stronger in the air.
Instead, it invited even more pressure. The Guardian reported that Tuchel accepted responsibility for the decision.
Harry Kane also admitted England had tried to protect what they had. The captain said after the match that they could never regain their momentum once Argentina took charge.
England were beaten because they abandoned the approach that had put them ahead.
They parked the bus with more than half an hour remaining and handed Messi the keys.
Photo: REUTERS/Lee Smith
