Former England defender Glen Johnson has suggested that Djed Spence was 'not smart' in the build-up to Argentina's winning goal in the World Cup semi-final, as the Three Lions slumped to a 2-1 defeat on Wednesday evening. Johnson, speaking exclusively to Mirror Football via Bovada, believes Spence should have gone down after a collision with Lionel Messi to force a VAR review.
England's Early Lead and Collapse
England took the lead in the 55th minute through Anthony Gordon at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. However, Thomas Tuchel's side quickly dropped into a low block to defend the 1-0 advantage, a strategy Johnson criticised given the time remaining. Argentina equalised with five minutes left when Enzo Fernandez fired home from the edge of the area after being given space by John Stones, Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers. Lautaro Martinez then headed the winner two minutes into stoppage time, beating Stones and Ezri Konsa at the back post.
The Controversial Incident
In the build-up to Martinez's goal, Alexis Mac Allister's shot hit the post, and the ball rolled loose. Djed Spence and Lionel Messi raced for it, with Spence making clean contact to clear. However, Messi's trailing boot appeared to catch Spence's foot, leaving the England full-back hopping in discomfort. Messi then collected the ball and crossed for Martinez to score. England players appealed for a foul, but referee Ismail Elfath allowed play to continue, and VAR did not intervene.
Many fans questioned why VAR was not used, especially after Egypt had a goal disallowed against Argentina in the quarter-finals for a similar incident. Johnson explained: 'Credit to Djed for getting back to his feet. Sometimes you need to be smarter. I do think we sometimes need to match teams for the way they set up, the way they are aggressive to stamp our mark on the game. Maybe we're a bit too nice at times and if Djed goes down then it gives VAR a decision to make. But he gets on his feet and maybe that's why no VAR was given and no other English player appealed. So not Argentina bias for me.'
What's Next for England
As a result of the loss, England will face France in the third-place play-off on Saturday, July 18. Argentina will take on Spain in the World Cup final the following evening.
