Michael Owen slams Tuchel's 'pub team' tactics after England's World Cup exit

England legend Michael Owen has launched a blistering attack on manager Thomas Tuchel, comparing his defensive approach to that of a local pub team following the Three Lions' 2-1 World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina.

Despite taking an early lead through Anthony Gordon, England retreated into a defensive shell. Owen, a former Liverpool and Real Madrid forward, described this tactical shift as a fundamental error in judgment from the dugout.

That’s rubbish. I can get my local pub team to do that. It’s not brave, it’s quite the opposite. Michael Owen

The tactical criticism intensified regarding Tuchel's decision to introduce three defenders midway through the second half to protect the 1-0 lead. Owen argued that this invited pressure and essentially handed the momentum to Argentina and Lionel Messi, rather than pushing for a second goal.

Owen further suggested that England's gritty round-of-16 victory over Mexico — where they played with ten men — created a false sense of security. He believes the squad misinterpreted that result as a blueprint for success rather than a tactical necessity. "We lost the tournament celebrating beating Mexico the way we did," he added.

Defender Marc Guehi echoed the sentiment of frustration, admitting that the team's decision to stop pushing forward after the goal was insufficient at the elite level of international football.