As England bowed out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, tennis legend Martina Navratilova and famed coach Brad Gilbert discussed how their defensive tactics proved costly against Argentina.
Despite taking a 1-0 lead in the second half, England conceded two late goals and suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat in the World Cup semifinals.
Martina Navratilova and Brad Gilbert Criticize England After World Cup Heartbreak
Anthony Gordon gave England the lead in the 55th minute, putting the Three Lions on course for a first World Cup final since 1966. However, late goals from Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martinez helped reigning champions Argentina turn the tide.
Navratilova was not a fan of the tactics employed by England head coach Thomas Tuchel, who sought to see out the match defensively rather than being proactive and seeking a second goal.
The 69-year-old is a big soccer fan and a minority owner of the Carolina Ascent FC, a team that plays in the USL Super League.
“At the top level, playing not to lose loses most of the time,” the 59-time Grand Slam champion wrote on X as she shared an article criticizing Tuchel’s tactics in the closing stages of the semifinal.
At the top level, playing not to lose loses most of the time.. https://t.co/4LVpqmOOSX
— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) July 16, 2026
Gilbert, who has coached several top tennis players over the years, including Coco Gauff and Andre Agassi, has also been following the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After Wednesday’s semifinal, he was quick to criticize England for employing defensive tactics in the last few minutes of the game.
“Looks like those last 15 mins England played the clock and not lose; amazing how often in so many sports that bites you hard,” the former coach of Coco Gauff wrote.
Look 👀 like those last 15 mins England 🏴 played the clock 🕰️ and not lose, amazing how often in so many sports that bites you hard
— Brad Gilbert (@bgtennisnation) July 15, 2026
Tuchel brought on several defensive players after England took the lead, including Dan Burn, Ezri Konsa, and Nico O’Reilly. However, the gamble did not pay off, and England lost to Argentina.
Defeat marked yet another agonizing end to England’s World Cup hopes. Tuchel’s side will now face France in the third-place playoff on Saturday, while Argentina will take on Spain in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Sunday.
The tennis world will be looking forward to the World Cup final, with Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz, Paula Badosa, and co. set to cheer for Spain. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi and Argentina will have the support of Francisco Cerúndolo, Tomás Martín Etcheverry, and Juan Martín del Potro, among others.
