England were 84 minutes away from a World Cup final before Argentina tore them apart in a devastating late collapse at Atlanta Stadium. Thomas Tuchel’s side had taken the lead through Anthony Gordon in the 55th minute, only to be undone by two goals in the final seven minutes as the reigning world champions advanced to Sunday’s showpiece.
Enzo Fernandez levelled with a thumping strike in the 85th minute before Lautaro Martinez headed a 92nd-minute winner, both goals assisted by Lionel Messi. It was a cruel end for England, who had worked hard to earn their lead but then retreated and paid a heavy price. From the moment they went ahead to the moment they conceded the second, England managed just 12% of possession.
Tuchel’s tactical choices after Gordon’s goal drew fierce criticism. The England manager introduced defenders Ezri Konsa, Dan Burn and Nico O’Reilly following the opener, with forwards Marcus Rashford and Ivan Toney only sent on deep into stoppage time. Former England captain Wayne Rooney did not hold back in his assessment. “We have crumbled,” he told BBC Sport. “It started from the manager and the decisions he made. It was too passive. Against this team, the world champions, you will not get away with it. This has been the biggest test and we have failed it.”
Fellow former England captain Alan Shearer drew a distinction between England’s earlier victories and the level they faced in the semi-final. “The difference is hanging on against Norway or Mexico in the last 16,” he told BBC Sport. “They have not got the quality this Argentina team have got in terms of the ability on the ball and the ability they have to punish you.”
Argentina now advance to the final against Spain at New York New Jersey Stadium, kick-off 20:00 BST on Sunday, while England are left to reflect on what might have been had Tuchel chosen a more attacking approach when his side held the advantage.
Image credit: BBC Sport / BBC Sport
