Carragher: Tuchel’s semi-final collapse worse than anything Southgate produced

– Jamie Carragher has launched a scathing attack on England manager Thomas Tuchel following the Three Lions’ dramatic 2-1 World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, claiming the German “blew it worse than Southgate ever did.”

Writing in his column for The Telegraph, the former Liverpool defender argued that Tuchel’s tactical decisions in Atlanta represented a more significant managerial failure than any of Gareth Southgate’s tournament exits.

The Core Argument

Carragher’s central claim is pointed: Argentina were not the better team. In his view, England were superior for 72 minutes after Anthony Gordon’s 55th-minute opener. Yet Tuchel’s defensive substitutions—introducing Ezri Konsa, Dan Burn, and Nico O’Reilly while withdrawing Gordon and Reece James—invited wave after wave of Argentina pressure.

The statistics are damning. After taking the lead, England managed just 12% possession before Argentina equalised. Alexis Mac Allister hit the post twice before Enzo Fernandez fired home from 20 metres in the 85th minute, with Lautaro Martinez heading the stoppage-time winner in the 92nd.

Southgate Comparison

Carragher contrasted Tuchel’s approach with that of his predecessor: “Croatia (2018), Italy (2021), France (2022) and Spain (2024) were all superior to England in the Southgate years. Wednesday night was worse from a managerial point of view because England were better than Argentina for 72 minutes.”

He maintained Tuchel remains “a world-class coach” but noted the FA did not anticipate him “standing side by side with Southgate as a coach who came close, but could not find the added ingredient to beat one of the perennial tournament winners.”

Media Backlash

Carragher is not alone. Miguel Delaney in The Independent labelled Tuchel’s decision to switch to five at the back in the 67th minute an act of “pure football cowardice.” Martin Samuel in The Times wrote: “The disease remains… Different group, fancy new boss, same dispiriting outcome.”

What’s Next

Despite the criticism, the FA has confirmed Tuchel retains their backing and is expected to lead England into Euro 2028. Argentina will face Spain in Sunday’s final in New Jersey, while England meet France in the bronze medal match in Miami.