Tuchel Says England Carry World Cup Scars After 2-1 Loss, Admits Gap to Top 3
Updated
Updated · Al Jazeera English · Jul 17
Tuchel Says England Carry World Cup Scars After 2-1 Loss, Admits Gap to Top 3
3 articles · Updated · Al Jazeera English · Jul 17
Summary
Thomas Tuchel said England's players were carrying the "scar" of their 2-1 World Cup semifinal defeat by Argentina and that the pain would stay with the squad.
Repeated questions over his defensive substitutions prompted Tuchel to accept responsibility, saying his in-game calls were made under stress and intended to protect England's lead.
Anthony Gordon had put England on course for a first World Cup final since 1966 before late goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez turned the match in Atlanta.
England, ranked fourth by FIFA, now face France in Saturday's third-place playoff in Miami, where Tuchel said the response to the setback must begin.
Tuchel said Argentina, Spain and France still hold a slight edge because of titles and long-built winning expectations, with Argentina meeting Spain in Sunday's final.