England’s hopes of reaching their first men’s FIFA World Cup final since 1966 were shattered after Argentina produced a stunning late comeback to win 2-1 in a thrilling semi-final at Atlanta Stadium.
Thomas Tuchel’s side appeared destined for a place in the World Cup final after Anthony Gordon fired England into the lead early in the second half. However, Argentina responded in dramatic fashion, with Enzo Fernandez scoring a spectacular equaliser before Lautaro Martinez netted a stoppage-time winner to send the reigning champions through.
The defeat ends England’s World Cup campaign in heartbreaking circumstances. They will now face France in the third-place play-off, while Argentina will defend their World Cup title against Spain in Sunday’s final.
The semi-final was played in an electric atmosphere, with tension spilling onto the pitch during a fiercely contested first half.
American referee Ismail Elfath struggled to control proceedings as both teams committed 19 fouls before the break.
Argentina nearly opened the scoring when Enzo Fernandez unleashed a powerful long-range effort that narrowly missed the target.
England, however, struck first in the 55th minute as Morgan Rogers delivered an excellent cross from the right for Anthony Gordon, who finished confidently at the back post.
Argentina immediately increased the pressure, forcing Jordan Pickford into a superb reflex save to deny Nico Gonzalez’s close-range header. Alexis Mac Allister then struck the post as England came under sustained pressure.
The breakthrough finally arrived for Argentina with just five minutes remaining. Fernandez curled home a brilliant 25-yard strike beyond Pickford to level the match and swing the momentum firmly in the South American side’s favour.
Despite Thomas Tuchel deploying a defensive setup with four central defenders to protect England’s penalty area, Argentina continued to dominate. Mac Allister hit the woodwork again before Lautaro Martinez completed the dramatic turnaround in the 92nd minute, scoring the decisive goal to seal Argentina’s place in the World Cup final.
England’s long wait for another men’s World Cup triumph continues, while Argentina move one step closer to retaining their world title after another memorable knockout victory.