England suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the World Cup semi-final in Atlanta, missing out on a first final since 1966 after leading with five minutes of normal time remaining. Djed Spence was England's standout player, earning an 8/10 rating.
First Half: England's Defensive Resilience
Anthony Gordon put England ahead at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, arriving at the back post to finish Morgan Rogers' perfect cross past Emi Martinez. Jordan Pickford made a stunning low stop to push Nico Gonzalez's header away after a Lionel Messi cross, and was thankful to his post when Alexis Mac Allister rattled it with a header. John Stones headed a first-half free-kick wide in England's only proper first-half attempt on goal.
Second Half: Late Argentina Comeback
With just five minutes remaining, England were slow to close down Enzo Fernandez as the Chelsea midfielder thrashed in a stunning long-range equaliser. In the second minute of stoppage time, substitute Lautaro Martinez latched on to Messi's cross to complete the comeback and send Argentina to a second successive final. Pickford tipped Fernandez's rising drive over the bar but couldn't stop either goal.
England Player Ratings vs Argentina
Jordan Pickford - 6
A stunning low stop to push Gonzalez's header away but couldn't prevent the late goals.
Reece James - 6
Poor to let Giuliano Simeone keep an attack alive early but sturdier after that. Needed better wide deliveries.
John Stones - 7
Headed a free-kick wide in the first half. Superb defending to stop Tagliafico getting a header on goal but couldn't hold Argentina out.
Marc Guehi - 7
Battled gamely with Simeone and was great on the ball.
Djed Spence - 8
England's best player. Set the tone with energy, pressing high and getting forward. Produced the tackle of the tournament to dispossess Simeone inside the box.
Declan Rice - 7
Sloppy moments first half but great work in the build-up for the goal. Defensive contributions and organisation key second half. Subbed after tiring.
Elliot Anderson - 7
Shown a harsh yellow card when Messi tumbled into him but was a Duracell Bunny in midfield.
Morgan Rogers - 7
Great dribble helped bring a yellow for Lisandro Martinez. Produced a magnificent cross for Gordon's goal.
Jude Bellingham - 6
Loved the physical tussle and muscled Messi out of play once. But not able to influence the attack as much. Late to close down Fernandez for the equaliser.
Anthony Gordon - 7
Confident drives early but faded before half-time. Brilliant run to catch Molina napping and finish cleverly for the goal. Subbed after a great shift.
Harry Kane - 6
Just 13 touches and six completed passes in a quiet first half. Played an important ball forward in the build-up to the goal but forced to do more defensively second half.
Substitutes
Ezri Konsa (Gordon 72') - 6
Came on as England switched to a three at the back. Wasn't close enough to Mac Allister when he headed against the post.
Dan Burn (Rice 82') - N/A
Came on to help England hang on but couldn't.
Nico O'Reilly (James 82') - N/A
Late replacement for the injured James.
Ivan Toney (Stones 90+6') - N/A
Marcus Rashford (Spence 90+6') - N/A
