Argentina substitute Valentin Barco has been heavily criticised for what former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson described as the 'worst example of sportsmanship we've seen at this World Cup' during the semi-final defeat to England.
England's lead and Argentina's comeback
England took a second-half lead through Anthony Gordon in Atlanta, putting them on course for a first World Cup final since 1966. However, defensive tactics backfired as Argentina mounted a late comeback. Enzo Fernandez equalised, and Lautaro Martinez scored the winner to send the reigning champions into the final.
Barco's controversial celebration
After Fernandez's goal, Strasbourg defender Barco ran to the England dugout to celebrate in front of Thomas Tuchel's squad. Robinson, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, said: 'We've not seen much sportsmanship today and that was probably the worst example of sportsmanship we've seen at this World Cup.'
England midfielder Jude Bellingham confronted Barco after the match, visibly unhappy with his actions.
Analysis and reaction
Alan Shearer admitted Argentina deserved to win: 'I think the better team won. Their reaction was brilliant, they hit the post a few times and England got lucky. The substitutions worked for them and you have to respect the way they came back into the game.'
Former England defender Matt Upson expressed frustration: 'To be in a position that we were, there's a level of frustration because the psychology behind going ahead and then how that plays out is fascinating. We stopped doing what was getting us in front. The moment you do that, a team like Argentina feed off that.'
Argentina will face Spain in Sunday's final after Spain beat tournament favourites France in the first semi-final.
