England were knocked out of the 2026 World Cup by Argentina after giving up a one-goal advantage in the closing stages, and Thomas Tuchel has been heavily criticised.

John Terry, a Three Lions legend, was in attendance at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The retired defender witnessed Anthony Gordon put his old team 1-0 up in the 55th minute, before retreating significantly to allow Argentina back into the match.

He was sitting next to a man who has won the biggest prize in world football. One of Brazil’s greatest-ever players and 2007 Ballon d’Or winner, Kaka. The AC Milan icon had a rather telling comment for Terry before Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez turned it all around.

Kaka’s Remark to John Terry Sums Up England’s Night

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As soon as the ball hit the back of Emi Martinez’s net just shy of the hour-mark, England appeared to put an end to their pursuit of goals. In doing so, they dropped deeper and allowed Argentina’s playmakers – such as Lionel Messi – a lot of time and space on the ball.

Gareth Southgate was previously criticised for similar tactics in big games during his tenure. Tuchel brought on Dan Burn, Nico O’Reilly and Ezri Konsa by the 82nd minute as the Three Lions tried to cling onto a lead. It didn’t go that way and they conceded twice.

Terry, speaking alongside Simon Jordan and Graeme Souness on Piers Morgan’s World Cup Uncensored, was livid with the tactical approach taken by the ex-Chelsea boss. He claimed Tuchel deserved as much criticism as Southgate in previous years.

Perhaps the most damning part of Terry’s rant came when he revealed what Kaka said to him in just the 62nd minute. The Brazilian echoed the sentiments of many nervous fans watching on, claiming he didn’t believe England would win, even when they were in front.

Terry explained: “I looked at the clock. I was sitting next to Kaka yesterday at the game. With 62 minutes gone, he said to me, ‘There’s no chance England win this game’.”

“You cannot give opportunities for 30 or 40 minutes plus stoppage time against a top Argentina side with an individual like Messi so much time and space,” he continued. “I think it’s so much worse than Southgate, what Tuchel has done.”

Terry: Thomas Tuchel to Blame For England Loss

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Tuchel’s reputation as the man who was expected to get England over the final hurdle, where previous managers have fallen short, has taken a significant hit since the final whistle in Atlanta. Terry went as far as claiming his perception of the German being ‘elite’ has diminished.

“It is 100% on him. One of the worst tactical decisions I’ve ever seen from a manager. I thought he was elite, yesterday tells me he is not,” the defender-turned-pundit stated.

Liverpool are ready to step up their pursuit of a replacement for Mohamed Salah, and Andoni Iraola is understood to be very much involved in the conversations.

The Reds have seen Victor Munoz arrive in a deal from Osasuna to strengthen their attack, but Salah, Ibrahima Konate, and Andy Robertson have all departed on free transfers, while there is lots of speculation surrounding the future of Curtis Jones amid interest from Inter Milan.

The club have been heavily linked with a number of superstar forwards to replace the iconic Egyptian, including PSG star Bradley Barcola and RB Leipzig sensation Yan Diomande, but they have now made a move on a different target.

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According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool have made contact with Bournemouth about a potential deal to sign Brazil sensation Rayan.

Rayan, who has been described as ‘deadly’, burst onto the scene in English football after joining the Cherries in January, and finished the season starting for Brazil at the World Cup after Raphinha suffered a hamstring injury during the win over Haiti in the group stages.

The 20-year-old enjoyed a fine first spell in England, scoring five goals and registering two assists in 12 starts in the Premier League, which has attracted the attention of a number of top clubs across Europe.

Nobody knows the winger better than Liverpool’s new boss Iraola, however, and it’s understood that he has told Liverpool to try and get a deal over the line for him this summer.

Bournemouth have inserted a £130m release clause in his contract, which is active from the summer of 2027, and are adamant they will not sell him this summer. But Liverpool have made calls to the Cherries to gauge how strong their stance is, having held talks with Iraola about the player. It’s understood that Bournemouth have made it clear that they see him as untouchable.

Rayan Could Be Gamechanger

Liverpool need to be busy in their transfer market to address the thin squad they currently have, as they look to get back to being competitive following their fifth-placed finish last season.

A replacement for Salah is undoubtedly the biggest priority in the window, and a player like Rayan could be a gamechanging arrival, with his bundles of potential and quality, plus the fact he already knows the manager well.

Any fee would undoubtedly be expensive, but Liverpool know they won’t get an adequate Salah replacement cheaply. Rayan could be an option that occupies the position for years to come, and getting ahead of the competition before next summer could be a genius and shrewd move.

FIFA have faced calls to punish Argentina players with a ban for the 2026 World Cup final following the controversial banner they were pictured with against England.

Lionel Scaloni’s side made a brilliant comeback to defeat the Three Lions through goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez in the dying stages of the game. It was fierce and aggressive on the pitch, but emotions were heightened further after the full-time whistle.

Several members of La Albiceleste’s squad were seen holding a banner with the message ‘Las Malvinas son Argentinas’, which translates to ‘The Falkland Islands are Argentinian’. FIFA rules state political banners aren’t allowed, and there have been calls for urgent action to be taken.

FIFA Decide World Cup Final Fate

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Among those who have strongly suggested that world football’s governing body should punish the Argentina players involved immediately was British politician Ed Davey. He even penned a letter to Gianni Infantino, pointing out the precedent UEFA set by banning two Spanish players for a similar incident in 2024.

According to Spanish radio station COPE (via Metro), FIFA have already decided whether any potential suspensions will be put in place for the World Cup final this Sunday.

While an investigation is reportedly underway, it is believed that no Argentine players will be suspended for this weekend’s spectacle. Among the players at risk of possible sanctions are Premier League duo Lisandro Martinez and Cristian Romero, as well as Giovanni Lo Celso and Leandro Paredes.

Article 34.3 of FIFA’s rules bans the display of any political messages or slogans by players before, during or after a match. But Argentine outlet Clarin have still stated that sporting sanctions are ‘less likely’.

Argentina were previously fined $20,000 for players displaying the same message in a 2014 friendly against Slovenia.

Statement Made Over Argentina Investigation

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The UK government were firm in its stance over the Falklands banner. A spokesperson said on Thursday: “The World Cup might not be ours, but the Falkland Islands definitely are. Our position is unchanged. Self-determination rests with the islanders. Our commitment to the Falklands will never waver.”

Now, FIFA have confirmed they are looking into the incident and the disciplinary committee will decide on the necessary action to take. A representative said (via The Independent):