England's World Cup dream came to a painful end against Argentina, and the fallout has been just as dramatic as the match itself.
Harry Kane was one of the first to admit the Three Lions lost their way after taking the lead. Now, former Germany star Thomas Müller has echoed those thoughts, questioning England's approach and wondering why Thomas Tuchel's side retreated instead of pushing for a second goal.
The veteran German forward agreed with Harry Kane's honest assessment of the match, suggesting England invited pressure after taking the lead and paid the price. Kane admitted after the game that the Three Lions "seemed to just try to hold on" once Anthony Gordon scored, adding that approach "isn't enough" at the highest level.
Müller Questions England's Approach Under Tuchel
Speaking after England's dramatic exit, Müller said he could not understand why Thomas Tuchel's side became so passive after going ahead against Argentina.
"I cannot believe and understand how England approached this game after they're leading. I cannot understand how they invited Argentina to play one cross after the other in perfect crossing positions."
The Bayern Munich legend's comments echoed Kane's post-match interview, where the England captain admitted the team stopped playing its natural game after taking a 1-0 lead. Kane revealed Tuchel's message from the sidelines was actually to keep attacking, but England failed to carry out those instructions as Argentina piled on the pressure.
England looked in control after Anthony Gordon opened the scoring early in the second half, but the momentum shifted as the team dropped deeper. Enzo Fernández equalized in the 85th minute before Lautaro Martínez completed Argentina's comeback in stoppage time to send the defending champions into the World Cup final.
Tuchel has since accepted responsibility for England's tactical approach but insisted he has "no regrets" over the substitutions he made during the closing stages of the match. The German coach explained that switching to a back five was meant to deal with Argentina's growing attacking threat, although many pundits and supporters believe the changes encouraged Argentina to dominate possession.
Müller's remarks have added to the growing criticism surrounding Tuchel, with the former Germany international joining many observers who believe England became too cautious when they were only minutes away from reaching their first World Cup final since 1966.
