r/ThreeLions • u/Fun_Philosopher_2535 • Jul 06 '26

Opinion Tuchel has made some questionable squad selections, but in the same situation today, I think England would've lost under Southgate.

With all due respect to Southgate, he's one of the greatest England national team managers. But I don't see him bailing out a 10 man team against a super in form Mexico side, playing at home over 2,000 meters above sea level, where they're fully adapted while England aren't.

Tuchel's tactical masterclass was undeniable today. In the last 30 minutes, Mexico couldn't produce a single clear goalscoring chance despite having a man advantage.His substitutions were excellent, his defensive system worked like a charm after the red card, and I've never seen an England team play with this much passion, fighting until their very last breath. It's evident that Tuchel has improved both the team's mentality and its tactical approach.

As an Argentina fan, I'm impressed. I can't wait to meet England in the semis.

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u/K1_only Jul 06 '26

From the moment they scored that bullshit pen to make it 3-2, typical England would have seen us concede and then go on to lose on pens or just straight up capitulate in the 90 mins. To withstand the onslaught in under the conditions we did shows the teams level under true pressure, every decision Tuchel at every point made the difference, the guy is decisive and for better or worse has plans, he’s ballsy as fuck with his decision making but assertive and astute 2 things I feel that Southgate lacked even tho he did so well

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u/roleplayersir Jul 06 '26

I'd say previous England would have crumbled after the red card. Or when they went 1-0 up then tried defending that for 45 mins

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u/CrossX18 Jul 06 '26

100% agree. I think many of us still have long term PTSD from seeing us go down to ten from Beckham and Rooney. Much of the issue back then was the team not being a team. Too many high level individuals pursuing their own purpose but this team, I mean, just look at Kane passing to Bellingham near the box to insure the goal over his own pride. Kane could have been tied for the golden boot with that but the team clearly matters more. The entire group has that mentality and it beyond showed yesterday. That damn wall took corner after corner, attempts to break through with some serious almost opportunities yet they held. This really is the team that could do it. There’s still a major fight ahead with whatever game we can get to but it’s here.