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England player ratings vs Argentina: Heartbreak again as Thomas Tuchel’s cautious approach costs Three Lions another World Cup shot

Thomas Tuchel squandered England’s best opportunity to reach their first World Cup final since 1966 as the Three Lions fell 2-1 to Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday after taking the lead. Tuchel’s initial team selection seemed promising, with surprise starter Morgan Rogers delivering a cross for Anthony Gordon to open the scoring 10 minutes into the second half.

However, the German coach’s overly defensive tactics, which contributed to one of the most uninspiring first halves of World Cup football in recent memory, eventually backfired. Tuchel’s decision to withdraw Gordon for Ezri Konsa, followed by the introduction of Dan Burn and Nico O'Reilly in a bid to protect the lead, handed the initiative back to Argentina.

Argentina’s relentless pressure paid off when Enzo Fernandez struck from outside the box just after Alexis Mac Allister had hit the post with a header. Mac Allister rattled the woodwork again in stoppage time, but the reigning champions refused to relent, and moments later, Lionel Messi curled in a perfect right-footed cross that substitute Lautaro Martinez headed home.

Here’s how the England players rated in Atlanta:

Goalkeeper & Defence

Jordan Pickford (5/10):

Despite Argentina’s dominance in possession, Pickford had little to deal with for most of the match. He made a couple of sharp saves, including one from Nico Gonzalez, before being beaten by Fernandez’s strike and later caught out by Messi’s sublime cross.

Reece James (7/10):

Restored to the starting eleven after impressing against Norway, James was rock solid throughout and defended diligently before being substituted late on.

John Stones (5/10):

An unfortunate night for the defender. Stones made several important interventions in the closing stages but lost Lautaro Martinez for the decisive goal.

Marc Guehi (6/10):

Like Stones, Guehi stood firm against wave after wave of Argentine attacks and cannot be blamed for either of the goals conceded.

Djed Spence (7/10):

Justified his selection ahead of O'Reilly with a strong performance. His sliding tackle to deny Simeone a clear chance was one of England’s defensive highlights.

Midfield

Declan Rice (7/10):

The Arsenal midfielder, who was a doubt before kick-off due to illness, showed no signs of discomfort and worked tirelessly before being replaced. He set up the move that led to Gordon’s goal and also registered one of England’s few shots on target.

Elliot Anderson (5/10):

Got too caught up in the physical battles early on and received a yellow card after a rough challenge on Messi. His effort was undeniable, but he struggled to maintain possession when England needed calm in the final stages.

Jude Bellingham (5/10):

The Real Madrid star refused to be intimidated by Argentina’s aggression and made some lively runs, winning a few fouls. However, he couldn’t impose himself on the game and showed visible frustration with Messi near the end.

Attack

Morgan Rogers (7/10):

Tuchel’s surprise pick on the right flank turned out to be inspired, as Rogers supplied the assist for Gordon’s opener. Among England’s brighter attacking outlets, even if the overall attacking performance was underwhelming.

Harry Kane (4/10):

Played a part in the build-up to the opening goal with a long pass that led to the move, but otherwise endured a disappointing night. The captain looked off the pace and never looked like scoring.

Anthony Gordon (7/10):

Worked tirelessly down the left and was rewarded with a goal following a well-timed run behind Molina. Substituted with 18 minutes remaining, but his effort was commendable.

Substitutes & Manager

Ezri Konsa (5/10):

Brought on for Gordon late in the game to help maintain the lead, but offered little defensive stability as England faltered.

Dan Burn (N/A):

Introduced for James with eight minutes left, but ended up playing as a makeshift striker as the game slipped away.

Nico O'Reilly (N/A):

Came on alongside Burn, replacing Rice, but made minimal impact during his brief spell.

Marcus Rashford (N/A):

Sent on in the sixth minute of stoppage time, too late to influence proceedings.

Ivan Toney (N/A):

Another late substitution that had little effect as England chased a lost cause.

Thomas Tuchel (3/10):

The German coach initially seemed to have his tactics spot on, with Spence and Rogers delivering strong performances that put England ahead. However, his defensive substitutions killed England’s momentum and made defeat feel inevitable once Argentina equalised. His future as England manager will certainly be under scrutiny after this collapse.