← Back to News
Four passes in 19 minutes: damning numbers behind England’s collapse
Teams
T
The Guardian·in about 1 hour

Four passes in 19 minutes: damning numbers behind England’s collapse

No successful tackles after the 63rd minute and failure to break up play through fouls also played their part in World Cup semi-final defeat

There will be coaching courses of the future that use footage of England’s performance against Argentina to illustrate how not to defend a one-goal lead.

If that sounds harsh, the data from the match justifies that stance.

Many ugly statistics emerged once the postmortem began.

The most damning came from OptaJoe, who noted England had 12% possession in the 30 minutes between Anthony Gordon’s goal and Argentina’s equaliser.

“That is the lowest by a team to be winning for at least 10 minutes in a World Cup match in the last 60 years,” they added.

Continue reading...

Sources: The Guardian

Get WC 2026 Updates

Match previews, results, and standings — delivered to your inbox.

Related Articles

Tuchel ‘100%’ invested in leading England at Euro 2028 despite semi-final failure
Teams

Tuchel ‘100%’ invested in leading England at Euro 2028 despite semi-final failure

Manager under fire for manner of 2-1 defeat by Argentina ‘There is enough to improve and I am happy to do that’ Thomas Tuchel says he is “100%” committed to leading England at Euro 2028 and finding the “extra level” for glory that eluded his team at

T
The Guardian·in about 1 hour
FIFA World Cup 2026™ winners to receive historic first championship rings
Teams

FIFA World Cup 2026™ winners to receive historic first championship rings

First-ever championship rings to be presented at a FIFA competition, bringing iconic American sporting tradition to global football

F
FIFA Official·about 23 hours ago
Neville: I won't lump in on Tuchel - England have had same issues for years
Teams

Neville: I won't lump in on Tuchel - England have had same issues for years

Gary Neville says he will not "lump in" on the criticisms of Thomas Tuchel after England's World Cup exit to Argentina, adding that he never expected the team to win the tournament.

S
Sky Sports·about 23 hours ago
The big questions facing Tuchel and England after World Cup exit
Teams

The big questions facing Tuchel and England after World Cup exit

After England's World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, Sky Sports looks at the big questions facing Thomas Tuchel and the Three Lions squad.

S
Sky Sports·about 23 hours ago
Quiz: Name every team to knock England out of a World Cup
Teams

Quiz: Name every team to knock England out of a World Cup

England's World Cup dream was ended at the semi-final stage as Argentina came from behind to beat Thomas Tuchel's side 2-1 in Atlanta .

B
BBC Sport·about 23 hours ago
De la Fuente: La Roja's mastermind
Teams

De la Fuente: La Roja's mastermind

Spain are just one match away from potentially being crowned world champions again as the approaches its conclusion. With their , the Spaniards have secured a spot in the final for a second time – a reflection of Luis de la Fuente’s successful tenure

F
FIFA Official·about 23 hours ago