The final whistle hadn't yet blown, but the pile-on was already in full swing. And to be fair, Tuchel's decision to zig instead of zag did contribute to England's World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday.
But the German wasn't the only one at fault. And as we say, for three-quarters of the tie, his aggressive team selection appeared genius. It was Morgan Rogers, called up for Noni Madueke, who created Anthony Gordon's opening goal on the night. As it was Djed Spence, preferred at left-back to Nico O'Reilly - so impressive at the Azteca - who made that incredible recovery tackle minutes later to deny a free and clear Giuliano Simeone from getting a close-range shot on Jordan Pickford's goal.
And it wasn't just that tackle - which was a genuine highlight of the game - that justified the Tottenham fullback's inclusion. Spence's pace, both in attack and when defending, had England bossing his left-flank, as he combined superbly with Gordon. At right-back, Tuchel again was aggressive, bringing in the more mobile and attack-minded Reece James for Ezri Konsa. Again, the choice was working. It was genius.
At the final whistle, Spain's World Cup winner Iker Casillas took to X and branded England "cowards" for the way they chose to defend what they had after Gordon's goal. But the Real Madrid legend was wrong. That didn't happen until the new Barcelona signing's substitution. Immediately after the goal, Cristian Romero almost had his pocket picked for a second time inside the Argentina area. Harry Kane had an effort on goal. With Rogers, then Jude Bellingham, also threatening to double England's lead. Further concerning Argentina were both Romero and Lisandro Martinez sitting on yellow cards.
Yes, they were creating chances of their own. But England - as they did with ten men in Mexico - were always a threat with Gordon willing to chase anything and everything that came his way. England had this game in their grasp. Indeed, the story before that first substitution would've centred on Tuchel getting his selection absolutely spot on. But then he acted...
On 72 minutes off came England's goalscorer and on went Konsa. Tuchel went to a back five. And as his Argentina counterpart, Lionel Scaloni, threw on three attacking options at the same time, the pace and drive of Gordon was removed. For this column, that was the change that handed Argentina not just the momentum, but also the security to attack at will, knowing the threat of Gordon had been taken out.
Ten minutes later, with England creaking, Tuchel went further. Off came Declan Rice for O'Reilly, with James also being replaced at the same time by Dan Burn. A minute later, England's midfield, shorn of Rice, handed Enzo Fernandez enough time and space to pick his spot and fire a spectacular equaliser past Pickford. It was one of the great goals of the tournament. But if Rice had still been on the pitch - with his experience and awareness - would Enzo have been granted so much time to get his shot off?
With that goal, there was only ever going to be one winner. Tuchel had removed two of his best performers on the night. The attack was left to a lumbering Kane and an ineffective Bellingham. Again, before Enzo's intervention, the story of this match would've been about England's support cast. Gordon, Spence and the outstanding Elliot Anderson. The Geordie's long-range passing game was tailor-made for those final 20 minutes. But with Gordon out of the picture, the chance to exploit an over-committed Argentina was gone. A fresh Marcus Rashford could've been that outlet, but he wasn't seen until after Lautaro Martinez headed the title holders in front in injury-time.
Those two Argentina goals came via the oldest player on the pitch. Lionel Messi was decisive, outstanding. A 39 year-old from out of the MLS. On the biggest stage. In the biggest moments. With the game crying out for someone to grab hold. Messi proved himself once again. Bellingham and Kane as Ballon d'Or contenders? Who are we kidding? As they shrivelled and shrunk, the old man from Miami showed both England players what it takes to be among the greats.
As much as Tuchel deserves this flak, it cannot be dismissed how Bellingham and Kane went missing on the night. It was a moment for heroes. Legends... leaders. But neither player produced when England needed them most. The support cast, as mentioned, did perform. But the two matchwinners were found wanting. And it'll be a test of England's pundits and analysts whether the performances of Kane and Bellingham are scrutinised, or if the ex-players' brigade - again - throw it all on the coach.
Yes, Tuchel got it wrong with his changes. But he's no Robinson Crusoe. If England are to emerge and improve on this run to the final four, then the likes of their No10 could do with some humility and accept how far he is from matching the very best in the game. Laying the blame entirely on the coach won't do this England team any favours.