Inside England's Camp: How the World Cup Dream Ended

A lengthy report published by The Athletic reveals the behind-the-scenes moments of England's final hours in the 2026 World Cup, clarifying that the exit in the semi-finals against Argentina was not the result of a single moment, but rather a series of tactical decisions and circumstances that intertwined during the match, culminating in a painful 2-1 defeat despite England taking the lead first.

According to the report, frustration filled the dressing room after the match, as several players felt that the team regressed early after taking the lead, which allowed Argentina to gain complete control of the ball and attacking momentum before turning the score around in the final minutes.

The report indicated that the defensive substitutions made by coach Thomas Tuchel raised eyebrows among some players, as members of the team believed that Argentina was leaving spaces that could be exploited through counter-attacks instead of retreating to defend.

Tuchel refused to hold his players responsible, emphasizing that he did not ask them to retreat excessively. He attributed the outcome to the pressure exerted by Argentina, as well as physical fatigue and some health issues that several players experienced during the match.

Despite the wave of criticism directed at the German coach following the elimination, the English Football Association still supports him, with plans for a comprehensive review of the team's journey in the tournament before taking any future steps. Meanwhile, the team is gearing up to face France in the third-place playoff.

The report concluded by emphasizing that the frustration within the camp was significant, as the players believed in their ability to reach the final and end a decades-long wait for a new world title. However, small details and crucial decisions in the final minutes dashed the English dream and sent Argentina to the final.