Former England international Andros Townsend has fiercely defended manager Thomas Tuchel following the Three Lions' agonising 2-1 World Cup semi-final collapse to Argentina. Townsend dismissed the widespread backlash over Tuchel's defensive changes, arguing the tactical adjustments were "smart" manoeuvres that were ultimately let down by the players on the pitch.

Marc Guehi has appeared to question Thomas Tuchel’s tactical approach following England’s devastating World Cup semi-final exit at the hands of Argentina. The Three Lions surrendered a second-half lead in Atlanta, sparking a wave of criticism regarding the manager's decision to retreat into a defensive shell.

Thomas Tuchel is about to learn the true meaning of an England tournament post-mortem - something the country does best. The inquest is well underway, with widespread calls for the manager's head in the wake of Wednesday's bitterly disappointing World Cup semi-final exit at the hands of the holders Argentina, as a defensive shift backfired and Tuchel's side slumped to defeat in stoppage time, despite leading in the 85th minute.

Thomas Tuchel has hit out at the World Cup third-place play-off, claiming that neither his England players nor their French counterparts have any desire to take part in the fixture. The Three Lions saw their dreams of a first final since 1966 crushed by Argentina in a dramatic semi-final, leaving them with one final, unwanted obligation in Miami.

It was all going so, so well for around 80 minutes. England went toe-to-toe with Argentina, and had a just-about-deserved 1-0 lead over the defending champions. A first World Cup final in 1966 was in sight for the Three Lions. And then, due in large part to the decisions of manager Thomas Tuchel, it was snatched away.

England icons Gary Lineker and Wayne Rooney have led a scathing backlash against Thomas Tuchel following the Three Lions' devastating World Cup semi-final exit at the hands of Argentina. The German manager's decision to retreat into a defensive shell backfired spectacularly as late goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez turned a 1-0 lead into a 2-1 nightmare.