Tuchel's Substitutes Puzzle Leaves England Exposed

England's defeat to Argentina has triggered serious questions about the decisions made from the bench, and The Guardian's match analysis pulls no punches. The piece argues that Thomas Tuchel neutralised England's own attacking threat with his choices, pointing out that Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke were all available but unused as Argentina piled on the pressure.

The analysis also highlights the treatment of Kobbie Mainoo, who did not get a single minute despite Argentina's centre-backs both picking up bookings at a moment when England might have exploited the space. Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham were left without reinforcement as they tired, and the piece notes that Bellingham was eventually crowded out by four Argentina shirts when he tried to carry the ball forward at one goal apiece.

For The Guardian, the conclusion is clear: England deserved their punishment, and Tuchel's decision-making played a significant part in delivering it.