Jamie Carragher refuses to change Thomas Tuchel opinion after England exit at World Cup

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Thomas Tuchel has come in for heavy criticism following England's defeat to Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals, with Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher giving his opinionJamie Carragher has given his thoughts on England's defeat to Argentina(Image: Getty Images)Jamie Carragher is refusing to budge on his opinion that Thomas Tuchel is a “world-class coach”, despite the Liverpool legend pointing the finger at the England boss for his side’s exit from the World Cup.The Three Lions’ hopes of lifting a first international trophy in 60 years are over after their defeat to Argentina in the semi-finals on Wednesday.Having taken the lead through Anthony Gordon 10 minutes into the second half, England were denied a spot in Sunday’s final against Spain after late goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez, with Tuchel coming under fierce criticism for his approach after going ahead.England went into its shell after its goal, defending wave after wave of Argentina attacks. Tuchel decided to bolster his defense during the hydration break, replacing goalscorer Gordon for Ezri Konsa, before throwing on even more defenders as Dan Burn and Nico O’Reilly replaced Reece James and Declan Rice.His plan backfired though as Argentina staged another comeback, resulting in Tuchel being blamed for his side’s exit.Giving his thoughts on England’s defeat in his column for The Telegraph, Carragher took aim at Tuchel’s decisions, and insisted that former boss Gareth Southgate’s reign should be looked at in a new light, having received similar criticisms during his time in charge.Thomas Tuchel has been heavily criticized for his substitutions against Argentina(Image: Getty Images)“As the game evolved heading towards its climax, it was obvious Tuchel had to act,” Carragher said.“Argentina were piling on the pressure without creating too many chances.

England retreated and camped on the edge of their penalty area, inviting trouble.Get Liverpool's new 2026/27 home kitThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn moreLiverpool FC have launched their new home kit for the 2026/27, inspired by iconic adidas strip worn during the club's 1989/90 title-winning campaign.“Playing with wing-backs meant Argentina could get more crosses into the penalty area and maintain a momentum which had already started to build without it being anywhere near as dangerous as it subsequently was.“Between England taking the lead and Argentina equalising, we were reduced to 12 per cent possession.

You can’t go into survival mode that early and expect the odds to be in your favour.“Going so defensive prematurely had dire consequences.”Carragher though did insist that England’s latest failure did not change his view of Tuchel, who the former Liverpool defender holds in high regard.England is still waiting for a first World Cup final appearance since 1966(Image: Getty)“Losing a World Cup semi-final does not alter my view that Tuchel is a world-class coach, just as I stand by the opinion Southgate did a fantastic job consistently taking his England side as far as he did,” Carragher added.“Pointing out that they got big decisions wrong when it mattered most sounds brutal, but it is fair. The truth is Tuchel, just like Southgate, took an England team that was not lighting up the tournament as far as most expected before it kicked off.“The problem for the FA is they did not anticipate Tuchel standing side by side with Southgate as a coach who came close, but could not find the added ingredient to beat one of the perennial tournament winners.“Ultimately, the 2026 World Cup will be remembered as another missed opportunity.