The former Everton and Liverpool stars had their say after England blew a one-goal lead in losing their World Cup semi-final 2-1 to Argentina in Atlanta
Wayne Rooney speaks on BBC One after England's World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina
Wayne Rooney speaks on BBC One after England's World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina
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Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen believe Thomas Tuchel's substitutions cost England dear as they passed up a golden opportunity to reach a World Cup final for the first time in 60 years in losing 2-1 to Argentina in Atlanta.
A 55th-minute goal from former Everton winger Anthony Gordon put the Three Lions in front but 17 minutes later the new Barcelona signing was replaced by Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa.
Two more defenders, Manchester City's Nico O'Reilly and Newcastle United's Dan Burn, were then brought on 10 minutes later as England sought to protect what they had.
But by that stage Argentina were already dominated and with captain Lionel Messi wreaking havoc from his new position on the right, the holders scored twice within eight minutes through Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez and Inter striker Lautaro Martinez.
Fans took to social media after the defeat to question Tuchel's in-game management, which had been praised earlier in the tournament.
And ex-Everton striker Rooney said he believes the German, who was brought in to lead England to glory after his predecessor Gareth Southgate lost two European Championship finals and a World Cup semi-final and quarter-final, got it wrong.
Speaking on BBC One, he said: "You can't go a goal up and then surrender. Surrender the ball and surrender any opportunity of trying to get the second goal. You want to be on the front foot when the pressure is on Argentina to get back in the game.
"If you’re on that pitch, go 1-0 up and then see the changes the manager is making… you are losing belief. There's only so many times you can get away with it. You start thinking: 'We're going to sit back, how are we going to get through this?'
"We got ourselves in such a good position, and then we didn't know what to do. We sat back, we allowed them to come onto us. They were creating a number of chances, then we cracked. Really disappointed.
"These fans have spent a lot of money to be out here. I expected more in this game. Argentina are the world champions. We knew it was going to be the difference. The changes we made didn't help us. Devastated. Sometimes you need a bit of luck to win these tournaments.
"Once we got the first goal, we didn't look to go for the second goal.
"For the players, and for me, Thomas Tuchel made the decision, and when you make the decision, it is a gamble. The gamble he made was to go with five at the back, which allowed them to dictate the game.
"The decisions Thomas Tuchel made, we have to be honest, have cost us tonight."
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 15: Thomas Tuchel, Manager of England, reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between England and Argentina at Atlanta Stadium on July 15, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Thomas Tuchel reacts during the World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina at Atlanta Stadium on July 15, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia(Image: Ryan Pierse - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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A damning statistic emerged after the semi-final that the Three Lions had just 12% possession of the ball between Gordon's opener and Martinez's 92nd-minute winner.
And former Liverpool forward Owen, who partnered Rooney in attack for England during their playing days, took to X to deliver his verdict on the latest heartbreak.
He said: "Watch Spain at 1-0 last night. That’s courage. That’s bravery. And then watch England at 1-0. What’s the difference?
"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.
"Bringing on three defenders at 1-0 up. What message does that send? 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 / heading it up the field 40 yards then this will always be the end result.
"Our lads are so genuine. They can hold their heads up high. Consistently getting to the latter stages of major competitions. I’m convinced that with a bit more tactical nous, we’d be European champions (v Italy at Wembley) and on the verge of becoming world champions."
Argentina will now face Spain, who produced a masterclass to beat France 2-0 on Tuesday in Dallas, in Sunday's final.
England, for whom Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made two superb second-half saves before Fernandez's 85th-minute equaliser, will now face France in Saturday's third-placed match.