England 1 – 2 Argentina
England missed out on their first World Cup final since 1966 after a stunning late turnaround from rivals Argentina saw the holders earn a 2-1 victory thanks to Lautaro Martinez’s stoppage-time winner.
The Three Lions were leading 1-0 with five minutes of normal time remaining in Atlanta through Anthony Gordon’s early second-half opener.
But two goals in the space of seven minutes saw a remarkable comeback from Argentina as Enzo Fernandez levelled with a wonderful 85th-minute strike from distance before substitute Martinez headed in a 92nd-minute winner.
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England fans react to World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina.
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Paul Merson says he’s devasted at England’s loss to Argentina in the World Cup semi-final.
Argentina’s turnaround came after England boss Thomas Tuchel made a number of defensive substitutions as England looked to hold on to their lead.
But following the changes, Argentina took firm control of the game and deservedly came back, with Lionel Messi playing a huge influence as he assisted Martinez’s winner.
Lionel Scaloni’s side will now face Spain in Sunday’s final in New Jersey, while England will take on France in the third-place play-off on Saturday in Miami.
‘Tuchel got it wrong’
Sky Sports News’ Rob Dorsett in Atlanta:
“It feels overridingly that Tuchel got that wrong. The man who the FA employed because of his brilliant tactical nous in knockout games has to hold his hands up.
“England scored and had the upper hand, and Tuchel immediately shifted to try to hold what they had.
Lionel Messi (left) is congratulated by Harry Kane at full time
“Sitting deep for more than half an hour with stoppage time to go shifted all the momentum to Argentina. There were warning signs aplenty before they scored the equaliser, and more before the winner. Argentina could have scored more, hitting the post twice in a mad last quarter of the game.
“England can have no complaints. The better side won. But there’s an awful feeling that this was to a large degree self-inflicted.”
The key moments from Atlanta…
Elliot Anderson shows his disappointment at England’s loss
3: FLASHPOINT! Fernandez catches Anderson, which leads to both sets of players pushing and shoving.
33: FIRST SHOT! Stones heads wide from Rice’s free-kick for the first attempt of the game.
HALF TIME! Nineteen fouls, two yellow cards and no shots on target.
47: FIRST SHOT ON TARGET! Alvarez tests Pickford at his near post.
55: GOAL! England take the lead through Gordon’s back-post finish from Rogers’ superb cross.
69: PICKFORD SAVES! Pickford gets down to one-handedly push away Nico Gonzalez’s flicked header from Messi’s cross.
76: ARGENTINA HIT THE POST! Mac Allister heads De Paul’s brilliant cross onto the post with Pickford rooted to the spot.
85: GOAL! Fernandez fires in a stunning leveller from distance after huge Argentina pressure.
90+2: GOAL! Argentina complete the turnaround as Lautaro Martinez heads in.
Player ratings…
Your views…
LV: “Another manager went ultra conservative way too soon, and we were punished for it. Same as the Croatia game, same as the Italy game.”
Tyler: “Well done, Thomas. You gave the game to Argentina with your awful tactics. Allowed Messi and co to play in England’s half. Really poor from the manager.”
James Wilson: “Exactly how we are under Southgate, nothing has changed. Score first and sit back and invite the pressure, it hasn’t worked for the last decade. Why did Tuchel think it would work tonight?”
Holt: “Tuchel got that so wrong.”
Dancuzo: “Tuchel is the reason we are out. Poor decision-making after going 1-0 up, such negative play; couldn’t believe a ‘top’ coach would have that mentality. Pathetic. Haven’t played well in any game this World Cup. Blagged our way to the semis.”
Craigyboy79: “Thomas Tuchel lost that game for England – playing with six defenders to try and see the game out with over 30 mins to play is the worst game management I’ve seen. Terrible, terrible decisions.”
Jacob Sharratt: “Tuchel should be ashamed of himself. How can we be on the front foot for 70 minutes to sit back with six defenders!”
Neil B: “We were in control. They could not handle our pressing. Then we scored and we stopped. This is on Tuchel.”
Dan Staples: “Arguably the worst tactical decision made from a 1-0 lead I have ever seen. Lost momentum completely, allowed them to hammer our back line. Just woeful tactics from Tuchel. Trusted him up until this point.”
