Whitecaps' Muller questions Tuchel's tactics after England exits World Cup

Vancouver Whitecaps' Thomas Muller celebrates his goal during the second half of a Canadian Championship quarterfinal soccer match against Cavalry FC, in Burnaby, B.C., on Wednesday, July 8, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

VANCOUVER — Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Thomas Muller criticized England’s tactics after it surrendered a late 1-0 lead in Wednesday’s 2-1 FIFA World Cup semifinal loss to Argentina.

Muller, who played under England coach Thomas Tuchel at Bayern Munich, said England invited pressure by allowing Argentina to repeatedly deliver crosses into dangerous areas instead of trying to control possession.

“Argentina plays a hell of a game, and I cannot believe and understand how England approaches this game, and especially after they’re leading,” Muller said.

“I cannot understand to invite the whole Argentinean game to hit one cross after the other in perfect crossing positions, but no matter.”

England appeared on course for a place in Sunday’s World Cup final after Anthony Gordon put it ahead in the 55th minute, but Argentina controlled 88 per cent of possession the rest of the way.

Enzo Fernandez equalized in the 85th minute before substitute Lautaro Martinez headed home Lionel Messi’s cross in the second minute of stoppage time.

Tuchel shifted into a defensive posture late in the match, introducing defenders Dan Burn and Nico O’Reilly in an attempt to protect the lead as Argentina piled on the pressure.

“They won every header. They kept crossing and crossing. So we went to a back five to close the gaps inside and be stronger in the air,” Tuchel said.

“Straight after our goal, with no substitutions, we just conceded way too many crosses and way too many chances. So we tried to help. But of course the responsibility is on the coach. And … if it doesn’t go well, it’s easy to say that it was wrong.”

Argentina advanced to Sunday’s World Cup final against Spain in East Rutherford, N.J.

The 36-year-old Müller knows World Cup success. He won the Golden Boot at the 2010 tournament and helped Germany defeat Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the 2014 final. After retiring from international soccer in 2024, he returned to this year’s World Cup as a commentator for Magenta TV.

His comments came in a video posted to social media before the Whitecaps departed for Chicago.

Vancouver visits the Chicago Fire on Thursday in a match that will feature Muller’s former Bayern Munich teammate Robert Lewandowski making his MLS debut.

With files from The Associated Press.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 16, 2026.