England have bowed out of the 2026 World Cup in devastating fashion after a late 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the semi-finals. Thomas Tuchel's men led through Anthony Gordon's goal early in the second half, but Enzo Fernandez and substitute Lautaro Martinez completed a late turnaround for the reigning world champions. Lionel Scaloni's men will face Spain at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday after a memorable night in Atlanta.
First Half: Tense and Goalless
After a drab first half of football, Gordon opened the scoring with 55 minutes on the clock. Argentina threatened late on with Cristian Romero forcing a fine save from Jordan Pickford and Alexis Mac Allister heading against the post. But Tuchel's heroes couldn't hold on as Fernandez struck from 25 yards and Martinez headed home in stoppage time.
Tuchel sprung a surprise by handing starts to Morgan Rogers and Djed Spence over regular starters Bukayo Saka and Nico O'Reilly, while Reece James also replaced Ezri Konsa in the starting XI. Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni brought in Giuliano Simeone, the son of Diego, while Premier League stars Emi Martinez, Lisandro Martinez, Cristian Romero, Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernandez started against their Premier League colleagues.
Fiery Opening and Key Incidents
Both sets of fans booed their rivals' national anthems, and those expecting a similarly fiery opening to the game from the players were justly rewarded. Enzo Fernandez shoved Elliot Anderson after Lionel Messi felt he was fouled but the referee disagreed, sparking a feisty reaction from Jude Bellingham and nearly igniting a huge brawl.
There was more to come. Anderson and Fernandez tangled for a second time while Cristian Romero's strong challenge on Morgan Rogers ruffled the England man's feathers. Referee Ismail Elfath opted not to dish out yellow cards, instead warning both sets of players that petty fouls would be punished and the tempo calmed a little.
England Take the Lead
With few shots to note in the early knockings of the game, England limited the threat posed by Messi and Co. Tuchel could be seen giving out a passionate team talk to his players in the first hydration break, which was booed by the fans inside Dallas Stadium.
With 33 minutes on the clock, the first attempt on goal arrived as John Stones' header at the far post bounced a yard wide. Anderson's high challenge on Messi stoked yet another disagreement between the players and the new Manchester City man earned the first caution of the game.
England had managed to stifle Messi for the most part, but they couldn't ignore his talented team-mates. Fernandez lined up a 25-yard piledriver and the Chelsea midfielder's strike only missed Jordan Pickford's goal by a matter of inches. Besides that, chances were few and far between with the score goalless at the break.
Second Half Drama
The game opened up in the second half, with Julian Alvarez forcing a save out of Pickford at his near post. Then, a few minutes later, England found the breakthrough. Rogers justified his start with a run down the right, linking up with Declan Rice, and crossed for Gordon to tap home past Emiliano Martinez.
That goal sparked wild celebrations among the England fans in Dallas, with the England bench celebrating profusely. Argentina responded by taking control of the ball and only a fine challenge from Spence denied Simeone after a lung-bursting run.
Argentina's Comeback
Lionel Scaloni sent on Nicolas Gonzalez for Leandro Paredes in search of an equaliser and the winger had an immediate impact, causing problems in a matter of minutes for England's backline. Then came Rodrigo De Paul, Nicolas Otamendi and Gonzalo Montiel and the South American nation came to life.
Pickford did terrifically to beat away Romero's header from point-blank range, but the goalkeeper could only watch as Mac Allister glanced his header from De Paul's teasing cross against the woodwork. Argentina continued to press for an equaliser, with Messi acting as the prime playmaker and England sitting deep in their own half.
Tuchel sent on the towering duo Dan Burn and O'Reilly to add some height to the England backline, switching to a back five. Fernandez again stung the gloves of Pickford with a long-range drive. On his fourth attempt, the 25-year-old benefited from some questionable positioning from Pickford, finding the net with a superb 20-yard effort to bring Argentina level.
Late Heartbreak
England continued to sit back in their 4-5-1 shape and with nine added minutes, it felt like the momentum had swung. Seconds after Mac Allister hit the post for the second time, Messi crossed for Martinez to head home unmarked at the far post. With ample time left in stoppage time, England searched for an equaliser and Tuchel sent on Marcus Rashford and Ivan Toney, but it was too little too late.
