Gary Neville believes Harry Kane, Jordan Pickford and John Stones have 'probably' played in their last World Cup after England's heartbreaking semi-final defeat to Argentina. The Three Lions were bidding to reach the World Cup final for the first time in 60 years, but late goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez saw the defending champions progress to Sunday's final against Spain.
Neville's World Cup warning
Speaking on 'Stick to Football with Sky Bet', Neville drew parallels with his own experience in 2006, when he played his final World Cup minutes. 'The only thing I would say is, I mean, it's half an hour's football, but I remember the penalties in 2006; that was my last half an hour ever in a World Cup,' Neville said. 'So for Harry Kane, for Jordan Pickford, for Stones, that is your last half an hour probably ever in a World Cup.'
Kane, who will turn 33 later this month, is England's second most capped player of all time and surpassed Gary Lineker as England's record World Cup goalscorer during the tournament. Despite Neville's prediction, Kane hinted at wanting to play in the 2030 World Cup. 'It's too early to talk about that. I mean, as a person, it's always just about taking it year by year and how I feel,' Kane explained. 'The national team is my pride and joy. It's what I love to do most, more than anything. Obviously, four years is a long way away. I'm 33 in the summer, but as you saw on the other end with Messi there, he's still performing at the highest level.'
England's squad age concerns
Seven players in Thomas Tuchel's 26-man squad are aged 30 and above, including Kane, Pickford and Stones, all 32. England will face France in the third-place playoff on Saturday in Miami. Neville also criticised Tuchel's post-match comments, where the German tactician suggested England's 'DNA' was to blame for the defeat rather than his tactics. 'I have a big problem with that,' Neville said. 'He didn't bring Mainoo on, who could handle the ball better than most. He didn't bring, say, for instance, Saka on who could probably handle the ball better than most. But he also left Foden, Palmer, Wharton, Gibbs-White, and Trent Alexander-Arnold at home, who were technical players.'
England's semi-final collapse
Anthony Gordon had England on the cusp of victory, but Argentina's late turnaround secured a 2-1 win. Argentina will now face Spain in the final, while England's tournament ends with the third-place match. Neville reflected on the missed opportunity: 'You think about those moments we had where we were on the edge of getting to semis and finals, and we just couldn't get over the line, could we?'
