The Messi Effect: How Argentina's Relentless Pressure Exposed England's Defensive Weaknesses The FIFA World Cup semifinal between England and Argentina will be remembered for Lionel Messi's wizardry, but it was also a stark reminder of the limitations of England's approach under Thomas Tuchel.
For much of the first 60 minutes, England's defensive shape looked impenetrable, but as the match wore on, they began to tire.
England's plan to protect their lead had worked against Norway and Mexico earlier in the tournament, relying heavily on absorbing pressure.