England’s hopes of making a first World Cup final since 1966 blew up in smoke thanks to two late goals from Argentina.
Anthony Gordon gave the Three Lions the lead after 55 minutes and Thomas Tuchel made a raft of defensive changes to try and get his side over the line.
But Tuchel’s tinkering backfired disastrously, with an Enzo Fernandez thunderbolt and Lautaro Martinez header in stoppage time breaking English hearts.
Daily Mail Sport‘s Chief Football Reporter CRAIG HOPE was at Atlanta Stadium to give his verdict on the England players, and you can make your judgments too with our ratings tool.
It was agony for England and ecstasy for Argentina as the reigning world champions scored two late goals to make it into back-to-back finals
Thomas Tuchel’s defensive changes backfired badly in Atlanta
ENGLAND (4-2-3-1)
Jordan Pickford – 7/10
Did not have a save to make in the first half but was there with strong arms to deny Alvarez after the break. Made an even better stop when getting down low to keep out a Nico Gonzalez header at 1-0. Won’t like being beaten by Enzo Fernandez from 25 yards, but had little protection. Was left exposed again for winner.
Reece James – 7
Joined attack early on and one overlap led to teasing cross snaffled by Emi Martinez. Was solid at the other end up against Julian Alvarez, who was was Argentina’s biggest threat. Alvarez only got a clear chance when drifting to right. This is why England kept faith despite injury. Was off when game was lost.
John Stones – 7
Came closest in first half when climbing above Lisandro but header bounced wide. Was unflustered in defence and showed his class in possession in some tight areas. Then produced huge goalmouth header as Argentina pressed for equaliser. But was caught out for winner not long after head knock.
Marc Guehi – 6
Argentina played without a central striker first half and Guehi, like Stones, found it easy defensively. Never wasted a pass. But second half he allowed back five to drop too deep and they paid the price. There was just not enough aggressive resistance.
Djed Spence – 8
Best game of his career until late turnaround. Surprise selection but justified that with a fast start down the left, finding an extra gear to burn by opponents. He was just as good in defence and didn’t give Giuliano Simeone an inch. Saved a goal after half-time with thunderous recovery tackle on same player. Got cramp at wrong time for winner. MOM.
Djed Spence impressed even in defeat, making a brilliant tackle on Giuliano Simeone to deny a goal at 1-0
Declan Rice – 6
Again, didn’t look himself first half. Gave the ball away leading to a moment of panic at back and was off the pace compared to Anderson alongside him. Improved after half-time but clearly struggling. Credit to him for giving his lot before eventually succumbing to fatigue.
Elliot Anderson – 7
Was with a thump on the back of head early on but that seemed to inspire him. Amid the early battle, he matched the opposition for fight and outdid them for technique. Then, in the second half, he arrived on the scene with tackles, headers and blocks. Very unfortunate not to be playing in a final.
Morgan Rogers – 7
Looked like getting plenty of joy early on against Nicolas Tagliafico but he faded and had only 14 touches come half-time. But he only needed one to deliver wicked ball for Gordon opener, and the sight of David Beckham celebrating the cross told you of its quality.
Morgan Rogers justified his selection with a wicked cross for Anthony Gordon’s opener
Jude Bellingham – 6
Argentina, and Leandro Paredes in particular, tried to wind him up but he kept his cool. However, he could not punish them how he knows best with his class and moments of inspiration. Could have been more alert to danger in moments before Enzo’s winner. Not his night but he’s been superb.
Anthony Gordon – 7
Set the tempo with blistering press from the off. Had moments where he got by his man but just could not get the final shot or cross away. That changed second half and he showed more desire than Molina to meet Rogers ball to pounce for opener. Sacrificed as England went to back five. Deserved to stay on.
Harry Kane (captain) – 5
No touches in penalty area first half, but that has become a feature of this tournament. His best work was from deeper and his forward ball started move leading to Gordon goal. But still had no touches in area come the end and did not register a shot on goal. A poor night.
England captain Harry Kane didn’t have a single touch in the opponent’s box on a poor night
SUBSTITUTES
Ezri Konsa (on for Gordon, 72min) – 5
One well-timed interception after coming on was key, but proved in vain.
Dan Burn (on for Rice, 83)
Brought on to see the game out but quickly found himself playing as a makeshift centre forward after Tuchel’s plan backfired.
Nico O’Reilly (on for Rice, 83)
Ran about with bundles of energy but struggled to impact the game as England wiltered.
Marcus Rashford (on for Spence, 90+6)
Came on in the dying minutes and looked lively, but to no avail.
Ivan Toney (on for Stones, 90+6)
His first minutes in the tournament – but won’t have been happy with how they panned out.
MANAGER
Thomas Tuchel – 4
Sent his team into battle with the right mix of aggression, intensity and composure. Got the big calls right at full back and Rogers choice on right wing was inspired. But then, when England took the lead, his changes ceded ground – and that cost England dearly.
ARGENTINA (4-3-3)
Martinez 6; Molina 6 (Montiel 72min, 6), Romero 6.5, Lisandro Martinez 7 (Otamendi 72, 6.5), Tagliafico 6.5 (Lautaro Martinez 81); Fernandez 7, Paredes 7 (Gonzalez 64, 7.5), Mac Allister 6.5; Simeone 6 (De Paul 72, 7), Messi 8, Alvarez 7. Scorer: Fernandez 85, Lautaro Martinez 90+2. Booked: Lisandro Martinez, Romero, De Paul.
Manager: Lionel Scaloni -8
Referee
Ismail Elfath (USA) – 7
Must have thought he was in a ring, not a football pitch. There were 19 fouls first half and Elfath was restrained in showing only two yellows. England will feel he could have shown more given Argentina were chief aggressors, but he did well to keep a lid on the tension, and players on the pitch.
