What were Thomas Tuchel's main tactical mistakes in the semi-final?

Thomas Tuchel's tactical plan against Argentina seemed to be working perfectly until the 85th minute. However, a series of serious errors and delayed substitutions in the final stages of the match caused England to fall at the threshold of the final.

Experts and analysts point to four main tactical mistakes that led to Tuchel's defeat:

1. Retreating to a deep defense too early: 80th-85th minutes.

While England was leading 1-0, Tuchel pulled the team into a very low block. This was the famous 'parking the bus' tactic. As a result, the Argentine midfield began to move freely around the England penalty area and increased the pressure to the maximum. Abandoning active pressing completely allowed the opponent to organize attacks calmly.

2. Positional stagnation of Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham: Throughout the match.

It was expected that the opponent would mark these two stars, but Tuchel could not offer an alternative 'Plan B'. When Bellingham was tightly marked, no free zones were created to help him. Kane, left without the ball, was forced to drop too deep, which neutralized England's main threat inside the opponent's penalty area.

3. Losing aerial duels and failing to restructure the defense: Second half.

Argentina switched to attacking via high crosses in the second half. Tuchel did not make a tactical change to help central defenders Stones and Guehi in aerial duels. As a result, Lautaro Martinez and Alexis Mac Allister gained a significant advantage in the air inside the English penalty area.

4. Delayed substitutions leading to errors: Final minutes.

It was noticeable as early as the 80th minute that the team was tired and pinned back. But Tuchel made the decision to refresh the midfield or switch to a back five to reduce the aerial threat too late. The actions taken after the game's momentum was completely lost did not yield results.

Conclusion: Thomas Tuchel's biggest mistake was trying to decide the fate of the match by enduring in defense. Giving so much freedom around your own penalty area to a team with high individual skill like Argentina was bound to lead to a disastrous outcome.