England set out in their World Cup semi-final against Argentina as possibly slight favourites in the clash steeped in history both on and off the pitch. With a win putting England into their first World Cup final since their 1966 success, the current holders and greatest player of all time stood in their way.

Despite taking the lead inside of the second half, a huge tactical and mentality switch saw England under immense pressure and looked to hold out Argentina for a large part of the second half. The opponents however weren’t held out for long as they bagged 2 goals in quick succession to leave England in heart-break after coming so close once again, while Argentina have an inevitable feeling about their campaign with Messi at the helm.

As always, if you have any thoughts on England at the World Cup this summer, get in touch with us by leaving a comment, following us on Bluesky (@NextGoalWinner) or Instagram (@NextGoalWin) and checking out our YouTube channel (@NextGoalWinner).

Teams

England: Pickford, Spence (Toney 90′), Guehi, Stones (Rashford 90′), James (Burn 82′), Anderson, Rice (O’Reilly 82′), Gordon (Konsa 72′), Bellingham, Rogers, Kane

Subs: Henderson, Trafford, Chalobah, Eze, Henderson, Mainoo, Saka, Madueke, Watkins

Argentina: Martinez, Tagliafico (Martinez 81′), Martinez (Montiel 72′), Romero, Molina (Otamendi 72′), Mac Allister, Paredes (Gonzalez 64′), Fernandez, Simeone (De Paul 72′), Alvarez, Messi

Subs: Rulli, Musso, Medina, Senesi, Palacios, Lo Celso, Paz, Almada, Barco, Lopez

England 1-2 Argentina

England’s dream of reaching a first World Cup final since 1966 was cruelly shattered in Atlanta as reigning champions Argentina produced a devastating late comeback to win 2-1 in Wednesday night’s semi-final. Thomas Tuchel’s side had looked set to end six decades of hurt after an impressive display against the holders, but two goals in the final seven minutes turned the contest on its head. Anthony Gordon’s second-half strike had England within touching distance of New Jersey, only for Argentina’s experience, composure and the enduring brilliance of Lionel Messi to swing the tie dramatically in their favour.

The first half was a tense, tactical affair with both sides cancelling each other out. England defended with discipline and created the better openings, while Jordan Pickford remained alert whenever Argentina threatened. The breakthrough finally arrived ten minutes after the restart when Gordon latched onto England’s attacking move and fired confidently beyond Emiliano Martínez to spark wild celebrations among the travelling supporters. England continued to press for a second goal and looked comfortable for long spells, frustrating an Argentina side that struggled to create clear-cut opportunities despite enjoying more possession.

However, world champions rarely need many invitations. As England gradually retreated deeper, Argentina increased the pressure and found their equaliser in the 85th minute. Lionel Messi, becoming the oldest outfield player ever to appear in a World Cup semi-final at 39 years and 21 days, once again demonstrated his enduring quality by providing the assist for Enzo Fernández, whose composed finish restored parity. Just when extra time appeared inevitable, Messi delivered again in stoppage time, recycling possession after Alexis Mac Allister’s effort struck the post before producing a pinpoint cross for substitute Lautaro Martínez to volley home at the far post and complete a remarkable turnaround. Messi’s two assists earned him the Superior Player of the Match award as Argentina booked their place in a seventh World Cup final.

For England, the final whistle brought immense disappointment after one of their strongest performances of the tournament. Harry Kane made his 121st England appearance to become the nation’s most-capped outfield player, but that landmark was overshadowed by the late collapse. Tuchel admitted afterwards that his side had become too passive after taking the lead, while praising his players’ commitment in what he described as one of their best displays under his management. Argentina advanced to face Spain in the final, while England were left to regroup for the third-place play-off, reflecting on what might have been after coming within minutes of ending their long wait for another World Cup final.

Talking Points

The first talking point has to be the disappointment felt by everyone involved with and connected to the England team. With Gordon’s goal putting England in front, it felt like they were to finally overcome this hurdle of beating one of the ‘top nations’ and putting themselves into a World Cup final. Despite knowing they were probably still to be the underdog in the final, knowing they could go all the way felt as close as it ever has in a World Cup since the 1966 success, and yet to retreat so much and try sitting back against the greatest player to ever play the game feels completely baffling and infuriating.

From this point about retreating, the manager Thomas Tuchel really needs to face up to this criticism as he’s been appointed in a large part due to his ability to manage teams through a tournament, and how he isn’t burdened by this mindset of previous managers. However, everything he himself has criticised came true as England went ultra-defensive, made defensive changes, sat back and allowed the onslaught from Argentina. It was mentioned by Anthony Barry at half-time of the Croatia opener that England don’t mind losing as long as it’s on their terms, well this felt like the exact opposite as they lost fully control of the ball, managed just 12% possession and only made 2 accurate passes between their opening goal and Argentina’s winner.

Finally, looking ahead for both sides, England go into the third place pointless game thinking of what could have been. Questions over Tuchel’s future will arise no doubt, while questions over Kane’s future along with other older heads in the squad will also be brought up in time. However, Argentina look inevitable at this tournament, overcoming Cape Verde in extra-time, the comeback against Egypt and now this, they simply look like they’re refusing to be beaten as Messi and co make it to another final and look to retain on Sunday against Spain.