England were knocked out of the 2026 World Cup by Argentina after giving up a one-goal advantage in the closing stages, and Thomas Tuchel has been heavily criticised.
John Terry, a Three Lions legend, was in attendance at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The retired defender witnessed Anthony Gordon put his old team 1-0 up in the 55th minute, before retreating significantly to allow Argentina back into the match.
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Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the 2026 World Cup raised many eyebrows, and the loss vs Argentina should signal the end for some players.
He was sitting next to a man who has won the biggest prize in world football. One of Brazil's greatest-ever players and 2007 Ballon d'Or winner, Kaka. The AC Milan icon had a rather telling comment for Terry before Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez turned it all around.
Kaka's Remark to John Terry Sums Up England's Night
England Players Celebrate vs ArgentinaIMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Dale Zanine
As soon as the ball hit the back of Emi Martinez's net just shy of the hour-mark, England appeared to put an end to their pursuit of goals. In doing so, they dropped deeper and allowed Argentina's playmakers - such as Lionel Messi - a lot of time and space on the ball.
Gareth Southgate was previously criticised for similar tactics in big games during his tenure. Tuchel brought on Dan Burn, Nico O'Reilly and Ezri Konsa by the 82nd minute as the Three Lions tried to cling onto a lead. It didn't go that way and they conceded twice.
Terry, speaking alongside Simon Jordan and Graeme Souness on Piers Morgan's World Cup Uncensored, was livid with the tactical approach taken by the ex-Chelsea boss. He claimed Tuchel deserved as much criticism as Southgate in previous years.
"Southgate has taken a lot of stick in the last couple of big competitions for not making those changes early. Southgate's probably the opposite. He probably left it too long to make those decisions. Tuchel made that call yesterday far too early, going five at the back."
Perhaps the most damning part of Terry's rant came when he revealed what Kaka said to him in just the 62nd minute. The Brazilian echoed the sentiments of many nervous fans watching on, claiming he didn't believe England would win, even when they were in front.
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Terry explained: "I looked at the clock. I was sitting next to Kaka yesterday at the game. With 62 minutes gone, he said to me, 'There's no chance England win this game'."
"You cannot give opportunities for 30 or 40 minutes plus stoppage time against a top Argentina side with an individual like Messi so much time and space," he continued. "I think it's so much worse than Southgate, what Tuchel has done."
Terry: Thomas Tuchel to Blame For England Loss
Thomas Tuchel (England)Dylan Martinez via Reuters
Tuchel's reputation as the man who was expected to get England over the final hurdle, where previous managers have fallen short, has taken a significant hit since the final whistle in Atlanta. Terry went as far as claiming his perception of the German being 'elite' has diminished.
"It is 100% on him. One of the worst tactical decisions I’ve ever seen from a manager. I thought he was elite, yesterday tells me he is not," the defender-turned-pundit stated.