Dan Burn has made his views on tactical criticism clear after England's 2-1 loss to Argentina
Dan Burn and Thomas Tuchel on the touchline in England's World Cup semi-final against Argentina
England's Dan Burn and Thomas Tuchel on the touchline in their World Cup semi-final against Argentina(Image: Getty Images)
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Newcastle United battler Dan Burn feels that tactical critism on Thomas Tuchel's decision to try to shut shop against Argentina is harsh - after the move had paid off handsomely against Mexico and Norway.
Burn was sent on for the final eight minutes or so against Argentina but goals from Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez sealed a tough defeat on England after they were minutes from the final.
The Three Lions defender was asked the question Tuchel's fierce critics after the game but reflected: "No listen, I think he done that in the last few games and it worked out well.
"So I don't think we can take massive criticism. When we were in 4-4-2 defending we were conceding a lot of chances so something had to change.
"We have been pretty solid switching to five in the previous games so yeah the manager may have wanted to do something in hindsight but also as players we have to take responsibility to get us through being 10 or 15 minutes away from a World Cup final. We really should really have seen it out."
Burn spent a few minutes alone on the pitch in Atlanta as he attempted to begin the job of processing the defeat to the South American side.
The Blyth lad said: "I was in shock at the end. I didn't have a lot of emotion and still feel pretty numb about it.
"There was a lot of emotion and not a lot being said but something we will digest over the next few days."
Burn also explained what Tuchel had told him as he went on with the brief to try to stop crosses.
Burn said: "We were already in a back five by then so I didn't need that much instruction if I was honest.
"I knew why I was coming on, to stop crosses and stop chances but the way it worked out I didn't get the chance to defend anything, it all seemed to come in from my side, so I was gutted.
"I went up front for the last five minutes to create something but nothing seemed to fall for us."
For Burn the dream of winning the World Cup is over but England still have a third-place play-off to contend with back im Miami on Saturday.
Summing up his feelings, Burn said after the game in Atlanta: "It is gutting. When you come within 10 or 15 minutes of a World Cup final and don't get it done it hurts.
"I thought we'd nailed the game plan up until we scored. We stuck to the game plan and knew what Argentina were going to do and I thought we dealt with it really well.
"We got got a little bit passive after the goal and defended a little bit too deep and the quality of chances Argentina were creating, it felt like a matter of time.
"We conceded too many crosses and too many chances. I think it's hard because in previous games we have done it so well.
"To get that close and not do it it is very sad. I am gutted right now but I am so proud of what the team has done.
"I don't think anybody gave us a chance going into this. The brotherhood we have spoken about has taken us a long way.
"If I am being totally honest I had a feeling we were going to do it and had a feeling it was 'our time'.
"I think Argentina showed why they are world champions, they have been there and done it. That saw them through in the end."
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