Some England players disappointed at Tuchel's tactics

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. Some England players disappointed at Tuchel's tacticsImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Defeat means England's men will not have reached a World Cup final for at least 64 yearsBySami Mokbel Senior football correspondent in AtlantaPublished30 minutes agoEngland's defensive retreat in their agonising World Cup semi-final 2-1 loss to Argentina on Wednesday has become the big talking point – and that topic is also being hotly debated among members of Thomas Tuchel's squad. A number of sources have indicated to Sport that a clutch of key players were left disappointed at how the team approached the final stages of the game. Leading 1-0 with 35 minutes left to play, England appeared to be on course for their first men's World Cup final since 1966.

But the momentum shift was startling. While it was natural for Argentina to start chasing the game, England have been criticised for seeming to hand their opponents the initiative. England manager Tuchel set his team up with a back-five to defend their lead - only to see it being overturned in the closing stages amid wave after wave of Argentina pressure.

The Details

Sport pundit Wayne Rooney said the defeat "started from the manager and the decisions he made". How coach-on-pitch Messi undid England's tactics on the fly Published8 hours agoBellingham slapped Argentina substitute after England exit Published11 hours ago'A true miracle of destiny' - Messi and Lamine Yamal's incredible first meeting Published6 hours agoDo the players feel England went too deep too early? Players saw their families and loved ones immediately after the defeat in Atlanta and it is understood there was a definite sense in those moments that the way the team was set-up after going ahead was a contributing factor in their downfall.

Sport is aware of at least three senior players who have complained privately about the team's approach during the closing stages. There is an acknowledgement that ceding ground on the pitch when defending a lead is a natural instinct for players. But, equally, there is believed to be a consensus among certain players that Tuchel's tactical switches and substitutions exacerbated their defensive retreat.

Certain players believe the team should have had greater licence to press the ball during the closing stages in an effort to at least try and push Argentina away from their goal – even just to provide some respite for the defenders. But instead, while some players recognised it as the team simply resorting to clearing their lines and regrouping their shape in defence – it was a tactic some didn't agree with. There is certainly a sense from some players that they could have been bolder and braver in those closing stages – not necessarily to go hell for leather in search for a second but to strike a balance between withstanding the Argentine pressure but also giving their opponents something to worry about in attack.

One source said: "They went too deep too early.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.