The only place to start this week is England’s semi-final defeat to Argentina. At 1-0 up, they were in control of the game, and if Thomas Tuchel had brought on some attacking players, it might’ve worked out, instead of just sitting back. And if you give world-class players like Lionel Messi time and space, then they’re going to hurt you.
I thought England managed the game really well up until about the 60-minute mark, but you have to question Tuchel’s approach from that point. Making those defensive changes is something he’s done against Mexico and Norway, but you can’t do it against teams like Argentina, who have the best player in the world.
Clinton was speaking on behalf of Freebets.com home to the best betting sites.
'If Gareth Southgate made those changes, he would’ve been crucified' - Clinton Morrison
If Gareth Southgate made those same changes, he would’ve been crucified by the whole nation. So I’d expect Tuchel to get plenty more stick over the next few months. Do I still think he's a good manager? Of course he's a good manager, look at his CV.
But I think when he sits down and thinks about it, he's got to realise he got it wrong at the end. When you're 1-0 up and you don't get that second goal, you can’t sit back, because you attract more pressure. And they've got good players who can unlock the door.
I can understand it if you're sitting back against a team with no quality, but Argentina have good players. When you're defending on your six-yard line, it's inevitable that they’re going to score. And sometimes having too many defenders on is counterproductive. When Lautaro Martinez scores, he's got a free header in the six-yard box with that many defenders around him. It baffles you.
The game was won and lost in those substitutions. Argentina's subs came on and made a big difference.
I understand Reece James had to come off because he was struggling with his hamstring and cramp. If you want to go to a five at the back, then you can do that. But the sub which surprised me was when Declan Rice was taken off and he brought on Nico O'Reilly.
We know O’Reilly can play midfield, but couldn't someone like Kobbie Mainoo come on, who can drive you up the pitch? He’s had no minutes at these finals. And towards the end, we needed someone like Ollie Watkins that could stretch the play in behind and give us an outlet.
Argentina have that never-say-die attitude though, and that is why they're world champions. I’m gutted for the England players and the fans, because they were so close to reaching a final and facing a very good Spain team. But at the end of the day, if you look at the whole game, the best team won.
I still think Tuchel is the right man to lead England. I know a lot of people are calling for him to be sacked, but if you're going to sack him, who's out there? A lot of people are saying Pep Guardiola.
If Pep becomes available, you grab it with both hands because he is the special one. But I just don't see The FA making a change at the moment. Zinedine Zidane’s name was bandied about, but it looks like he’s going to France with Didier Deschamps leaving. People were also talking about Jurgen Klopp, but he’s getting the Germany job. So Pep is probably the one out there, if England decided to make a change.
More immediately, England now have to prepare for that third-place game which no one really wants to play in. I don't know why that game is still part of the tournament, as it’s meaningless in my opinion. Some of those players just want to go on holiday now, recharge and get ready for the season.
If I'm Tuchel, I play the players that haven't had much game time. The likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Ollie Watkins, while Bukayo Saka hasn't played as much as he would’ve liked. You can rest your midfield though, as Rice has been carrying an injury. I know he's not going to fully change the team, but you can give other players an opportunity to say they experienced playing at a World Cup. You still want to win and beat France, but I'd give some of the players who've been on that long journey a rest.
All eyes will then be on the World Cup final, and I do think Spain’s midfield is stronger than Argentina’s, even though Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister have had good tournaments. I think Spain will dominate possession. Messi likes to float in from that right-hand side, and I don't think Marc Cucurella will give him the time or space to get crosses into the box. Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martínez also love a scrap, and I think Lamine Yamal against Nicolás Tagliafico would be a great battle too.
Spain are my favourites, but I have a sneaky feeling Argentina are going to produce something magic. I just want it to be like the final we saw four years ago, where it was end-to-end between France and Argentina. Let's hope it'll be a game to remember.
