England's World Cup semi-final against Argentina ended in a 2-1 defeat, with goals from Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez sealing their fate. The match, played in the Deep South, saw Thomas Tuchel's side struggle to contain Argentina's aerial threats, as towering players like Alexis Mac Allister and Martínez consistently beat England's four centre-backs to crosses.
Tuchel Reflects on Defeat
After the match, Tuchel dismissed the notion of an "English curse," stating: "I don't believe so much in an English thing and a curse or whatever. It's repeating itself in different moments. It's different coaches, different players, different situations." However, the pattern of glorious failure continues for the Three Lions, who had previously overcome DR Congo, the Azteca, and Erling Haaland before falling short.
Argentina's Dark Arts
Argentina started the game in full villain mode, employing a physical approach that saw Giuliano Simeone repeatedly foul Djed Spence and Elliot Anderson. The latter was kicked from pillar to post, and when he bumped into Lionel Messi, he was punished. The dark arts were on full display, with Football Daily noting the display would be put behind a special red cordon.
Gordon Scores but England Fade
Anthony Gordon scored England's only goal, tapping in Morgan Rogers' cross. His new club, Barcelona, posted a video of him in the Camp Nou dressing room saying: "Hi, I'm Anthony Gordon, and if you're watching this, I've just scored at the World Cup." However, Gordon was substituted for Ezri Konsa in the 72nd minute as England retreated into their own penalty area. Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni smirked: "There was blood in the water and we went for it."
Bronze-Medal Match Ahead
England will now face France in the bronze-medal match, where Kylian Mbappé will be eyeing the Golden Boot. Argentina, meanwhile, will prepare for a final against Spain.
Political Controversy
Off the pitch, the match sparked political controversy. Keir Starmer's spokesperson commented on Argentina players displaying a banner touting claims to the Falkland Islands, saying: "Our position is unchanged. Self-determination rests with the islanders, and our commitment to the Falklands will never waver. More broadly, potential action is a matter for Fifa, but it's been a fantastic World Cup, and we've said throughout that politics should stay out of football." Lisandro Martínez, one of the players involved, explained: "I can picture a Malvinas veteran seeing that and weeping. I don't know if there might be sanctions or not, but what they did was display that banner and assert that the islands belong to us."
