Former England striker Michael Owen has launched a scathing assessment of the Three Lions’ tactical approach in their 2-1 FIFA World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, arguing that Thomas Tuchel’s side abandoned the courage required to reach football’s biggest stage.
England appeared on course for a place in the World Cup final after Anthony Gordon fired them into the lead midway through the second half. However, Enzo Fernández equalised in the 86th minute before Lautaro Martínez struck deep into stoppage time to complete Argentina’s dramatic comeback and book a showdown with Spain.
Reacting after the match, Owen contrasted England’s conservative game management with Spain’s fearless performance in their 2-0 semi-final victory over France.
“Watch Spain at 1-0 last night. That’s courage. That’s bravery. And then watch England at 1-0. What’s the difference?”
The former Ballon d’Or winner insisted England had been the better side for long spells but ultimately paid the price for retreating after taking the lead.
“We are a better team than Argentina, I’ve no doubt in my mind. But we deserved to get beat in the end. In fact, it could have been 4-1.”
Owen’s strongest criticism was reserved for Tuchel’s decision to reinforce the defence after Gordon’s goal, introducing three defensive-minded players as Argentina began increasing the pressure.
“Bringing on three defenders at 1-0 up. What message does that send?”
The tactical changes became one of the major talking points after the match, with several former England internationals questioning whether the substitutions encouraged Argentina to dominate possession and pin England inside their own half during the closing stages.
Owen also revisited a point he had made in his Daily Mail column following England’s Round of 16 victory over Mexico, arguing that true bravery in modern football is demonstrated through composure in possession rather than simply defending deeper.
“I wrote it in my Daily Mail column after the Mexico game. Until we understand that courage and bravery is controlling possession under pressure and not booting or heading it up the field 40 yards, then this will always be the end result.”
His comments echoed the post-match analysis of Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, who revealed the defending champions sensed England becoming increasingly passive after taking the lead.
Martínez explained that once England dropped deeper, Argentina found more space between the lines, allowing Lionel Messi, Enzo Fernández and the midfield to dictate possession before producing the late turnaround.:
While Tuchel has defended his decisions, insisting he had “no regrets” and accepted full responsibility for his tactical choices, Owen’s remarks have intensified debate over whether England’s instinct to protect a narrow advantage ultimately cost them a place in the World Cup final.
England’s defeat extended their wait for a first World Cup final since 1966, while Argentina advanced to a second consecutive final, where Lionel Scaloni’s side will face Spain in one of the most anticipated championship matches in recent memory.
Leave feedback about this