A visibly gutted Jude Bellingham refused to blame Thomas Tuchel’s tactics after England threw away a 1-0 lead to crash out of the World Cup against Argentina.
Once Anthony Gordon put England ahead, Thomas Tuchel immediately shut things down. He took off his goalscorer for defender Ezri Konsa and added Dan Burn to lock up the backline.
However, the ultra-defensive shift backfired completely, allowing Argentina to dominate the final minutes and snatch a heartbreaking 2-1 comeback win.
If Harry Kane doesn't play at the next World Cup for England, who will take his place and why? 🤔
Kane will be 36 by the time the next World Cup comes around…
Speaking after the game, Tuchel admitted he had no regrets about his decision-making and even labelled it as England’s best game of the tournament.
“Disappointed. We were so close, but we got so passive after we scored… In the moment, no regrets, the team gave everything, and we were very, very close.
“We deserved to be up one-nil. We played one of our better matches, maybe the best match. The team was top, but we couldn’t bring it over the line. No regrets.”
Jude Bellingham has his say on Thomas Tuchel’s tactics
Jude Bellingham and Thomas Tuchel were involved in a bit of a disagreement ahead of England’s clash with Argentina after criticism from the Three Lions boss on his side’s display vs Norway.
However, the England midfielder kept his cool after bowing out of the 2026 World Cup when he was asked about the tactics used against Argentina.
Partidazocope shared an interview with Bellingham on their TikTok account.
Interviewer: “We’re live. Thank you for speaking to us at such a difficult moment. What happened? Up until Gordon’s goal you were playing very well, and then suddenly Argentina came back.”
Bellingham: “Yes, it’s a very sad day for us. We played a good match, we fought hard, but in the end it wasn’t enough.”
Interviewer: “Were you surprised by Tuchel’s substitutions when you were leading 1–0?”
Bellingham: “No. I have nothing to say.”
An incredibly cool and collected response from a player who will walk away from the 2026 World Cup with his head held high, as arguably England’s best player.
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