England's Tuchel Has 'No Regrets' After World Cup Loss to Messi, Argentina Despite Criticism

England coach Thomas Tuchel isn't helping his cause with the tone he struck following the Three Lions' 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup.

Immediately after the match, Tuchel asserted he and his players should have "no regrets." He also pushed back against those questioning his tactical choices:

Tuchel explained his decision to bring on Dan Burn and Nico O'Reilly in the 82nd minute, having already made a defensive change by subbing Anthony Gordon off for Ezri Konsa.

The German is unlikely to find a sympathetic ear.

In the round of 16, England nearly allowed Mexico back into the game after bunkering down following Jarell Quansah's red card in the 54th minute. Rather than adjusting after a close call like that, Tuchel effectively followed the same blueprint.

Anthony Gordon gave England a lead in the 55th minute, and it wasn't long after that that there was a clear shift in the team's approach. For almost the last 40 minutes of the match, the English were content to cede possession and allow Argentina to run onto them.

Sure, there is plenty of second-guessing after the fact, but the impending disaster was easy to forecast. Giving the 2022 world champion that much time and that much space was inviting a collapse. That's exactly what unfolded.

Enzo Fernández got the equalizer with a long-range effort in the 85th minute, and Lautaro Martínez was free in the box, despite all of Tuchel's best efforts, to head home the winner in stoppage time.

Prior to the tournament, a lot of England supporters probably would've settled for a semifinal appearance and possible third-place finish. The nature of the team's loss is going to change those opinions.

Tuchel is signed through the 2028 Euros, but there might be no coming back from this.