‘This was tactics not talent!’

The defending champions appeared beaten with just five minutes of normal time remaining, trailing to Anthony Gordon’s second-half strike.

Yet Lautaro Martinez’s header deep into stoppage time completed an extraordinary turnaround that will rank among Argentina’s finest comebacks.

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Tuchel’s side had controlled much of the contest but ultimately paid the price for retreating in the closing stages as Lionel Scaloni’s men seized their moment.

The German-born coach made a series of defensive substitutions that have since been panned by many within the footballing world.

And now, former Football Focus host Mr Walker has had his say, and it’s safe to say he sides with those critical of Tuchel’s actions.

Mr Walker’s verdict on the match began rather diplomatically, writing in an X post: “That must feel incredible for Argentina and soul-destroying for England.

“They did a job on us and we made it much easier for them than it should have been. It’s been wonderful to watch England at this World Cup but that is going to hurt for a while.”

However, he soon followed it up with a lengthier post in which he tore apart Tuchel and his game plan.

“It must be so frustrating for the players that England are here again. Thomas Tuchel said he ‘no regrets’ but he surely knows that the first World Cup final in 60 years was within grasp,” he began.

“In that second half we seemed to do EXACTLY what Argentina wanted us to do…

I know this is the ultimate example of an armchair manager rant but… I needed to get it off my chest 😂

— Dan Walker (@mrdanwalker) July 16, 2026

“We were a goal up. They had both their centre halves on yellow cards. They were worried about us running at them with pace. They were struggling to maintain possession in the final 3rd.

“We retreated. We never put them under pressure. We took off the men who could harm them and replaced them with defenders. We gifted them the ball in the final 3rd.

“Wayne Rooney said afterwards that the players will have disagreed with what the manager was trying to do.

“It was there for England… Argentina were creaking. Scaloni made good substitutions but we opened the door.

“This was about tactics not talent,” he continued before signing off: “I know this is the ultimate example of an armchair manager rant but… I needed to get it off my chest.”

Mr Walker’s “rant” sparked quite the debate among his fellow X users, with some in total agreement with the Channel 5 News star, while others argued Tuchel “knows better” than him.

During the match, England took the lead through Gordon’s breakthrough which arrived 10 minutes into the second half, capitalising on Morgan Rogers’ excellent delivery from the right flank.

The Barcelona winger positioned himself perfectly at the back post to convert from close range but the joy turned out to be short-lived.

Final final thought…

It’s not that Tuchel is a bad manager – he isn’t. He got England to within a whisker of a World Cup final and he made some good decisions in other games at this tournament.

I don’t think he should be sacked but I do hope, in time, his changes his opinion…

— Dan Walker (@mrdanwalker) July 16, 2026

Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez had threatened throughout with long-range efforts, and his persistence finally paid dividends when he unleashed a blistering strike from outside the penalty area following a short corner routine involving Messi.

With England sitting deeper, Scaloni’s side assumed complete control, pinning their opponents back and creating chance after chance.

Alexis Mac Allister struck the woodwork with a header he should have converted, while Fernandez forced Pickford into multiple saves before finally finding the net.

Messi orchestrated much of Argentina’s late pressure, ultimately providing the cross that Martinez headed home to end England’s World Cup journey.

England must now regroup for Saturday’s third-place play-off against France in Miami. Argentina, meanwhile, will face Spain in New Jersey on Sunday with the chance to defend their world title.