I mean it just kinda felt like Argentina did what they've been doing all tournament long. They didn't have an answer for Messi.
I don't disagree, but it seemed to me that after the goal, England retreated to their own end and just tried to defend. Play was a bit more back and forth before the goal. After the goal, they just seemed to stop attacking.
That's been the knock on England for years. They aren't aggressive enough with the lead. Also they left of some players that would have helped with the attack, like Foden and Palmer. When they were aggressive early on you could see their speed was causing issues for the Argentinian defense. Why they chose to stop that is beyond me.
Taking Jordan Henderson, Dan Burn, Manueke instead of Gibbs-White, Palmer, Trent alexander Arnold was ridiculous. And playing Saka and attacking after opening scoring was a stupid error. Giving arguably the greatest player of all time the space he needs to get the assists.
I would have kept Burn, and then taken two of Palmer, Gibbs-White, Trent Alexander Arnold. I think Burn can play a role, and you might need him for that role over the tournament. Harry Kane still has issues showing up in big games. I think that is where the Leafs - England comparisons come from. Jude Bellingham was awesome though.
