England’s hopes of reaching their first men’s World Cup final since 1966 ended in heartbreak as Argentina scored twice in the closing minutes to secure a dramatic semi-final victory in Atlanta.
Thomas Tuchel’s side appeared to be on course for a famous win after Anthony Gordon put England ahead early in the second half. The breakthrough came in the 55th minute when Morgan Rogers delivered an inviting cross from the right, allowing Gordon to finish at the far post and give England the advantage.
The match had been fiercely contested from the opening whistle, with the intense atmosphere inside and outside Atlanta Stadium reflected on the pitch. Referee Ismail Elfath struggled to keep the game under control during a physical first half that featured 19 fouls. Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez came closest to opening the scoring before the break with a powerful long-range effort that narrowly missed the target.
England defended resolutely after taking the lead, but Argentina steadily increased the pressure. Jordan Pickford produced an outstanding reflex save to deny Nico Gonzalez, while Alexis Mac Allister struck the woodwork as the defending champions searched for an equaliser.
Argentina’s persistence finally paid off five minutes from full time. Fernandez found space outside the penalty area and unleashed a superb 25-yard strike that beat Pickford to level the score and shift the momentum firmly in Argentina’s favour.
Tuchel had deployed four central defenders in an effort to protect England’s penalty area, but Argentina continued to dominate the closing stages. Mac Allister hit the woodwork for a second time before the decisive moment arrived in stoppage time. Lionel Messi delivered a cross into the box, where Lautaro Martinez rose highest to head home the winner in the 92nd minute.
The late turnaround sends Argentina into Sunday’s World Cup final, where they will attempt to retain their title against Spain. England, meanwhile, are left to reflect on another painful near miss and will now face France in the third-place play-off.
Despite taking the lead and defending bravely for much of the contest, England were unable to withstand Argentina’s relentless late surge as the South American champions produced a memorable comeback to book their place in the final.
