England’s World Cup dreams came crashing down tonight in Atlanta as Argentina mounted a stunning late comeback to secure a 2-1 victory in the semi-final.
The Three Lions appeared destined for their first final since 1966 when Anthony Gordon fired them ahead in the 55th minute.
Thomas Tuchel’s side controlled much of the contest and held their advantage until the 85th minute.
Then disaster struck. Enzo Fernandez unleashed a spectacular long-range effort to level proceedings in the 86th minute.
Enzo Fernandez scored Argentina’s equaliser with a 25-yard piledriver
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Deep into stoppage time, Lautaro Martinez headed home from a Lionel Messi cross, sending the defending champions through and leaving England devastated.
Captain Harry Kane fronted the media following the final whistle, offering a candid assessment of where England went wrong.
“Gutted for the boys, gutted for everyone – the team, the staff, the fans,” the Bayern Munich striker said.
Kane acknowledged that his side abandoned their manager’s tactical blueprint once they had secured the advantage.
“When we went 1-0 up we seemed to try and hold on, which at this level is not enough,” he admitted.
Harry Kane insisted England failed Thomas Tuchel’s tactical plan
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The skipper revealed that Tuchel’s instruction had been clear: maintain the pressure and seek a second goal.
“When we went ahead the messaging was to go again and get another goal,” Kane explained.
The tactical shift proved fatal. Following the second-half hydration break, Tuchel reshaped his formation by bringing on defensive reinforcements Ezri Konsa, Dan Burn and Nico O’Riley.
This conservative approach drew significant criticism as England effectively attempted to protect their slender lead rather than extend it.
The substitutions handed Argentina control of the closing stages, with the South Americans launching wave after wave of attacks.
Kane conceded his teammates could not withstand the onslaught. Once Argentina found the net twice in quick succession, England attempted to respond but momentum had deserted them entirely.
“We couldn’t quite get the momentum back in the game,” the captain lamented.
England could not handle Argentina’s relentless late pressure
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Despite the heartbreak, England’s tournament is not yet over. The Three Lions will travel to Miami for Saturday’s third-place playoff against France.
It represents a chance for Kane and his teammates to conclude their campaign with some silverware, however modest the consolation.
“We’ve worked so hard to be here and the lads have given every last bit of running, blood, sweat, tears. To fall short is just gutting,” Kane reflected.
England’s agonising wait for a World Cup final now stretches beyond six decades. Argentina, meanwhile, will face Spain in Sunday’s showpiece as they bid to retain their crown.
