England’s path to the final featured resilient defensive performances against Mexico and Norway, but late tactical changes against Argentina proved costly.
The substitutions removed attacking outlets and allowed sustained pressure, with Enzo Fernandez equalising from distance before Lautaro Martinez scored a stoppage-time winner.
A former England captain criticised the adjustments, arguing that attacking players lose belief when a manager retreats after taking the lead.
He described the approach as panic, stating a team should stay on the front foot rather than surrender possession and invite pressure near their own box.
A former goalkeeper contrasted the reaction with that given to the previous manager, noting the prior regime also faced scrutiny for defensive-minded choices in major moments.
He suggested the early changes signalled a lack of confidence in the squad’s ability to keep threatening Argentina in the closing stages.
Argentina advanced to the final to defend their title following the late comeback.
