England captain Harry Kane has taken to social media to send a heartfelt message following the team's World Cup semi-final exit. The Three Lions lost 2-1 to Argentina, with two late goals turning the game around.
Match details
Thomas Tuchel's side took the lead in the 55th minute through Anthony Gordon. However, they came under pressure from their opponents, with Argentina finding the breakthrough in the 85th minute through Enzo Fernandez. Lautaro Martinez then scored the winner in the second minute of added time.
The manner of the defeat has led to criticism of Tuchel's defensive substitutions after his side took the lead. Kane himself admitted in his post-match interview that trying to hold onto the lead is 'not enough at this level'.
Kane's emotional response
Writing on Instagram 24 hours after the defeat, the England skipper issued an emotional response and outlined his own feelings. 'No words are big enough right now to overcome this empty feeling in the stomach,' he wrote. 'We were close, really close to another final but it wasn't enough. We've given everything over these last 7 weeks and to fall short is hard to take!'
He continued: 'I know the expectations are high and rightly so, we've been knocking on the door for 8 years now but again are missing that final piece of the jigsaw! That's where we have to go away, process it and find a way to get better.'
Team spirit and fan support
Kane praised his teammates: 'I'm so proud of the boys and what we have shown throughout this tournament - some tough games and tough environments that we have overcome. Some memories that will stay with us players and I'm sure you fans for a long long time! Going for glory doesn't always mean you will get it. You have to fight for it, get knocked down, pick yourself up and go again and that's what we will do, there's no other way but to keep believing and keeping pushing.'
He added: 'Thank you to every single fan that travelled and showed their support in the stadiums. Thank you to every fan back home for believing in us. Thank you to the boys and staff for everything you have given. As always Win or lose, we learn and go again!'
Response from teammates
The post prompted responses from members of the England squad with both Anthony Gordon and Morgan Rogers commenting with red heart emojis.
Looking ahead
England are back in action on Saturday evening (10pm BST) when they take on France in the third-place play-off in Miami. Eyes will then start to turn to Euro 2028, which is taking place in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.
