England's World Cup dreams were shattered once again as they lost 2-1 to Argentina in a dramatic semi-final in Atlanta. Anthony Gordon's second-half goal put the Three Lions on course for their biggest World Cup victory in 60 years, but late strikes from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez ensured La Albiceleste advanced to another final.
Player Ratings
Jordan Pickford – 6
Coped well with Argentina's pressure on corners and, bar a few loose passes out from the back early on, performed solidly. He showed brilliant reactions to deny Nico Gonzalez just before the second-half hydration break but could have been better positioned for Argentina's second goal.
Reece James – 6
Not his most adventurous performance but did what was asked of him. He was replaced late in the game.
John Stones – 7
An experienced presence at the back who led the England backline masterfully after their goal. He was alive to everything Argentina threw at them until those late goals.
Marc Guehi – 7
Dealt with the nuisance that was Giuliano Simeone calmly and professionally.
Djed Spence – 9
Switched on and aggressive down the left, forcing Argentine mistakes going forward and committed at the back. His challenge on Simeone shortly after Gordon's opener was as good as any goal.
Declan Rice – 6
Looked fitter after recovering from illness and was well up for the fight in midfield, growing into the game as it wore on.
Elliot Anderson – 7
Was a magnet for winning fouls in the scrappy opening stages, more than holding his own in those bruising midfield battles. He was booked for taking out Messi towards the end of the first half.
Morgan Rogers – 7
Came in for Noni Madueke on the right, offering more power than the Arsenal man and produced the wonderful assist for Gordon's goal.
Jude Bellingham – 7
Bursting runs through the middle caused problems, with Argentina unable to deal with his strength and speed.
Anthony Gordon – 7
A quiet performance before the biggest moment of his life after 55 minutes. A brilliant run into the box to latch onto Rogers' cross and produced the deft finish needed.
Harry Kane – 6
Not involved in an awful lot but worked tirelessly for the cause.
Match Impact
In a tense and sometimes downright nasty battle with the defending world champions, England stood tall but the pressure proved too much in the end. Argentina's late goals flipped the game, with Fernandez and Martinez capitalizing on defensive lapses. The defeat leaves England to ponder what might have been, as they fell just short of reaching the final for the first time since 1966.
