England have been eliminated from the World Cup at the semi-final stage after a 2-1 defeat to Argentina, with Thomas Tuchel's tactical decision to defend a narrow lead proving costly.
Match Overview
Anthony Gordon gave England the lead in the first half, turning home Morgan Rogers' cross at the back post. However, Tuchel instructed his team to drop deep, and Argentina capitalised. Enzo Fernandez equalised with a 20-yard strike that no England player closed down, before Lautaro Martinez headed in the winner unmarked from two yards out.
Player Ratings
Jordan Pickford - 6: Made a great save to deny Nico Gonzalez's header from six yards. A taller goalkeeper might have saved Fernandez's equaliser. Could not claim Martinez's winner.
Reece James - 5: Untidy in possession with poor delivery in the first half. Looked steadier after the break but was withdrawn with an injury.
John Stones - 5: Assured in possession, now a free agent and will attract club interest.
Marc Guehi - 5: Calm on the ball but lacked physicality in duels.
Djed Spence - 7: England's best player in the first half, with smart pressing and aggressive tackling. Produced the tackle of the tournament to deny Julian Alvarez a golden chance.
Elliot Anderson - 6: In the thick of the battle, fouled numerous times early on.
Declan Rice - 5: No major talking points; still not fully fit and was substituted with 10 minutes remaining.
Morgan Rogers - 6: Started brightly on the right, lacked explosive pace but created the space for Gordon's goal with excellent footwork.
Jude Bellingham - 6: Worked tirelessly but had no reward on a night he kept his cool.
Anthony Gordon - 7: Lively and determined on the ball, scored by sneaking round the back of the Argentine defence.
Harry Kane - 5: Another quiet game when it mattered most, with no support as Tuchel dropped England deep.
Substitutes
Ezri Konsa (for Gordon) - 5: Thrown on to see out the game but failed to do so.
Nico O'Reilly (for Rice) - 5: Came on in front of a packed backline but never impressed.
Dan Burn (for James) - 5: Brought on to win duels and see out the game but was never there to clear the danger.
Ivan Toney - N/A
Marcus Rashford - N/A
Impact
The defeat means England exit the World Cup at the semi-final stage, with Tuchel's defensive tactics and ineffective substitutions heavily criticised. According to the Daily Star Sport, the decision to drop deep and defend the lead ultimately cost England a place in the final.
