England’s hopes of reaching their first FIFA World Cup final since 1966 ended in heartbreaking fashion after Argentina scored twice in the closing minutes to claim a dramatic 2-1 semi-final victory in Atlanta.
The Three Lions looked on course for the final after Anthony Gordon fired them ahead early in the second half. However, defending champions Argentina mounted a stunning late comeback, with Enzo Fernández levelling in the 85th minute before substitute Lautaro Martínez headed home a stoppage-time winner.
Lionel Messi inspired the turnaround, providing assists for both goals as Argentina booked a place in Sunday’s World Cup final against Spain. England will now face France in the third-place playoff.
England appeared in control after Gordon’s breakthrough, but the game changed when manager Thomas Tuchel introduced a series of defensive substitutions in an attempt to protect the lead.
The tactical shift handed Argentina control of possession and momentum, allowing the South Americans to pin England deep inside their own half.
Speaking after the match, Tuchel defended his decision to switch to a back five.
“We wanted to close the spaces and become stronger defensively. We were very close, but after scoring we became too passive,” he said.
The German also confirmed he intends to remain England manager and lead the team into Euro 2028.
England captain Harry Kane admitted the team retreated too early after taking the lead.
“Once we went 1-0 up, we just tried to hold on, and at this level that’s not enough,” Kane said.
“We’re all devastated.”
The defeat extends England’s painful run of near misses in major tournaments.
- 2018 World Cup: Semi-finals
- Euro 2020: Runners-up
- 2022 World Cup: Quarter-finals
- Euro 2024: Runners-up
- 2026 World Cup: Semi-finals
Football pundits and supporters were quick to question Tuchel’s game management, arguing England surrendered the initiative too soon.
Former England midfielder Paul Merson said Tuchel repeated the cautious approach that often attracted criticism during Gareth Southgate’s tenure.
Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett also described the defeat as largely self-inflicted, saying England invited relentless pressure after abandoning their attacking approach.
Argentina, seeking to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup, will face Spain in Sunday’s final.
Head coach Lionel Scaloni praised his players’ resilience after another dramatic victory.
“I’m speechless. This team never stops surprising me,” he said.
“We’ll give everything to win the final.”
England, meanwhile, must regroup quickly as they prepare to face France in Saturday’s third-place playoff, while questions over Tuchel’s tactical approach are likely to dominate post-tournament discussions.
