2 late goals that ended England’s World Cup dream

Just 12% possession told the story of England’s collapse after taking the lead against Argentina. Anthony Gordon’s 55th-minute goal had Thomas Tuchel’s side within touching distance of a first men’s World Cup final since 1966, but Enzo Fernandez equalised in the 85th minute before Lautaro Martinez headed home a 92nd-minute winner. Argentina’s 2-1 victory turned English hope into another painful tournament inquest.

The Bottom Line

• England lost 2-1 after leading through Gordon’s close-range finish in the 55th minute.
• Fernandez struck from distance in the 85th minute, before Martinez scored the winner seven minutes later.
• Lionel Messi supplied the decisive passes for both Argentina goals.
• England controlled only 12% of possession between taking the lead and conceding the winner.
• Argentina will face Spain in Sunday’s final, while England are scheduled to meet France in Saturday’s third-place play-off.

Breaking It Down

The semi-final began as a tense, physical contest rather than an attacking spectacle. The teams committed 19 first-half fouls and produced only three shots between them, while England limited Messi’s influence through aggressive marking in central areas. According to the detailed tactical account, Messi lost possession 15 times before the interval, his highest first-half total across his appearances at the past two World Cups and Copa Americas.

England’s discipline was rewarded ten minutes after the restart. Harry Kane’s forward pass helped launch the move, Declan Rice moved the ball wide and Morgan Rogers delivered an inviting cross for Gordon to finish at the back post. It was the sort of quick, purposeful attack that had been largely absent from a cautious opening hour.

The match changed when England attempted to protect that advantage. Tuchel replaced Gordon with Ezri Konsa and moved to a back five, later adding Dan Burn and Nico O’Reilly. The changes reduced England’s ability to press, carry the ball forward or offer an outlet when possession was recovered. Sky Sports reported that England managed no further touch in Argentina’s penalty area after scoring.

Argentina repeatedly exploited the space outside England’s crowded defensive line. Alexis Mac Allister hit the post, Jordan Pickford made important saves and the pressure eventually produced Fernandez’s fierce equaliser. Messi then moved wide on the right, created room for a cross and found Martinez unmarked for the winning header. BBC Sport’s post-match review described the approach as too passive, while Tuchel maintained that the defensive switch had been intended to close gaps and improve England’s aerial strength.

Why This Matters

The defeat revives a familiar argument around England: whether caution in decisive matches protects a lead or gradually gives control to the opposition. Four of England’s past five eliminations from major tournaments have now ended in 2-1 defeats. This one will feel particularly severe because the team were ahead with five minutes of normal time remaining.

When we went 1-0 up we seemed to try and hold on, which at this level is not enough.

For supporters across the country, the result also means another summer of debating managerial decisions rather than preparing for a final. Prince William, patron of the Football Association, said he was “gutted” but urged the team to hold their heads high. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer likewise praised the passion and energy shown during the tournament.

What Comes Next

Argentina advance to Sunday’s World Cup final against Spain at New York New Jersey Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 20:00 BST. They are attempting to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to retain the men’s World Cup.

England’s tournament continues with a third-place play-off against France in Miami on Saturday, 18 July, at 22:00 UK time. Tuchel said after the match that he had no regrets about his substitutions and confirmed that he intends to remain in charge through Euro 2028.