‘Oh no’ Wayne Rooney frustrated by England substitutions in World Cup semi-final defeat
Former England striker Wayne Rooney has criticised Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel for his substitutions in the World Cup semi-final defeat against holders Argentina.
England took the lead through Anthony Gordon’s close-range finish early in the second half in Atlanta but had just 12 percent of the possession between their opening goal and Argentina‘s second.
The first 17 minutes of that period preceded Tuchel‘s first change but the decision to replace Gordon with defender Ezri Konsa and move to a back five with 18 minutes left, while Tuchel later revealed it was a response to what was already happening, handed the momentum to the world champions.
‘We had no outlets’
There are tactical reasons to question England’s manager for the way they ended the game. Giving Argentina the opportunity to park Lionel Messi unhindered 25 yards from their goal is among the more obvious.
But if football is a game of impetus and intent, the specific tactical outlook might be less significant than what Rooney interpreted as a signal of surrender. England defended resolutely against Mexico and Norway but it doesn’t take Valeriy Lobanovskyi to understand why these were different circumstances.
According to Rooney, who also said that the turnaround was inevitable because of England’s approach and apparently said to his BBC Sport colleagues during the match that the Three Lions wouldn’t even reach extra time.
That echoed comments made around the country at the same time. Tuchel told England during the second-half hydration break to push for a second goal but Rooney suggested that his actions spoke louder to his players than his words.
“Okay, it’s very difficult, but when we got the ball, we had no outlets,” said the former Manchester United striker.
“Everything was kicking it long. They pick it up, come again. So, it’s impossible. It’s impossible.
“But for me, the biggest thing is when Thomas makes those changes, 100 percent the players will be stood on the pitch thinking, ‘Oh no.’ They will know what was coming.”
The BBC panel, which also featured Joe Hart, Micah Richards and co-commentator Alan Shearer, spoke at length about England being passive after scoring their goal 10 minutes into the second half.
Tuchel is contracted to remain in the England job until the European Championship on home soil in two years but his team’s timid response to holding a position of strength in a big game against quality opposition has drawn comparisons with England’s late-tournament limitations under predecessor Gareth Southgate.
Given the perception that Tuchel was ultimately brought in to turn Southgate’s progress into tangible success, the England boss can expect to face a barrage of disappointed commentary in the coming days.
