Wayne Rooney warned us. After England beat Mexico at the Azteca, the prevailing hot take was that this was part tactical masterstroke, part feat of heroism. It proved Thomas Tuchel had built a “brotherhood”. England stifled an intense atmosphere, survived high altitude and regrouped after Jarell Quansah’s red card. Jude Bellingham was majestic, Anthony Gordon was indefatigable and Dan Burn’s forehead should be the next England captain.
But Rooney wasn’t convinced by Tuchel’s approach. In the 74th minute, leading 3-2 but down to 10 men, England effectively gave up all attacking threat. Burn replaced Elliot Anderson for some penalty-box ballast, England reformed in a 5-3-1 formation and spent the rest of the game defending for their lives.
