England’s hopes of reaching a first men’s FIFA World Cup final on foreign soil ended in heartbreaking fashion as Argentina came from behind to secure a dramatic 2-1 victory with an injury-time winner.
Thomas Tuchel’s side led early in the second half through Anthony Gordon and looked on course for a place in Sunday’s final, only for the reigning world champions to produce a late turnaround and book a showdown with Spain in New York.
England Let Lead Slip
Anthony Gordon gave England the advantage shortly after the restart, putting Tuchel’s side within touching distance of the World Cup final.
However, Argentina responded strongly and equalised through a powerful strike from Enzo Fernández before substitute Lautaro MartÃnez completed the comeback with the winning goal in the second minute of stoppage time.
The victory sends Argentina into a second consecutive World Cup final, while England’s wait for another appearance in football’s biggest match continues.
Tuchel Accepts Responsibility
England manager Thomas Tuchel accepted responsibility for his side becoming increasingly defensive after taking the lead.
Three minutes before Argentina’s equaliser, Tuchel replaced Declan Rice and Reece James as England switched to a back five in an attempt to protect their advantage.
“We decided to go to a back five because the gaps were far too open,” Tuchel said after the match.
“Argentina played with more risk, played with more rhythm and played with the feeling maybe that they had nothing to lose any more, which freed them up and pulled us back. Because we obviously played suddenly with a feeling that we had a lot to lose.”
He added: “Of course the responsibility is on the coach and if it doesn’t go well it’s easy to say it was wrong.”
Emotional Scenes at Full Time
England’s players collapsed to the turf after the final whistle as their World Cup campaign came to an end. Captain Harry Kane led the squad to applaud the travelling supporters, while Jude Bellingham was visibly emotional.
On the opposite side, Lionel Messi celebrated by dropping to his knees before pumping his fists after Argentina secured another place in the World Cup final.
No ‘English Curse’, Says Tuchel
Asked whether England’s latest collapse reflected a recurring mentality problem, Tuchel dismissed suggestions of a national psychological barrier.
“I don’t believe so much in an English thing and a curse or whatever,” he said. “It’s repeating itself in different moments. It’s different coaches, different players, different situations.”
Argentina will now face Spain in Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final, while England must once again reflect on a tournament that ended in disappointment despite coming within minutes of the final.
