SOCCER: England not cursed, says Tuchel, after more World Cup heartbreak

ATLANTA — England manager Thomas Tuchel dismissed suggestions that his team's latest FIFA World Cup semifinal defeat was part of a long-standing "curse," saying the loss to defending champion Argentina was decided by football, not history.

England appeared on course to reach its first World Cup final since its 1966 triumph after Anthony Gordon scored in the 55th minute to give the Three Lions the lead. However, Argentina responded with two late goals to secure a 2-1 comeback victory and advance to the final.

"I love to see these things in a football matter and not through football curses," Tuchel told reporters. "I don't believe so much in an English thing and in a curse or whatever, history repeating itself in these moments."

The German manager said every tournament presents different circumstances, with different players, coaches, and opponents, making comparisons with previous disappointments unnecessary.

Tuchel believed England deserved its lead but admitted the match changed dramatically after Gordon's goal.

"I think at that point of the match, it was deserved that we take our moment and go 1-0 up," he said.

"Unfortunately, it marked a complete momentum switch in the game. Argentina played with more risk and more rhythm, while we suddenly played with the feeling that we had a lot to lose."

He described the semifinal as "two completely different matches" — one before England scored and another after Argentina seized control.

Despite earning praise for guiding England past DR Congo, Mexico, and Norway to reach the semifinals, Tuchel has faced criticism for his tactical substitutions and defensive approach after taking the lead against Argentina.

The England manager accepted responsibility for his decisions.

"That's just the nature of the game. As soon as you lose, you get criticized," Tuchel said. "I'm responsible for them. I took them, so I take the criticism."

England will now face France in the third-place playoff on Saturday. While Tuchel acknowledged that reaching the semifinals was an achievement, he said neither he nor his players were satisfied.

"A lot of big football nations are eliminated before the semifinal, so it is an achievement," Tuchel said.

"No one wants to hear that at the moment. Me neither, because we demand the most of ourselves. Everyone plays to win the World Cup, but it is what it is." -Reporting by Trevor Stynes; Editing by Ken Ferris/Reuters