England’s World Cup fairytale ended in devastating fashion in Atlanta as Argentina scored twice in the final five minutes to snatch a 2-1 victory and book their place in Sunday’s final. The Three Lions were just minutes away from their first men’s World Cup final since 1966 after Anthony Gordon broke the deadlock in the 55th minute at a tense Atlanta Stadium.
But Argentina, who have now beaten England in three World Cup knockout meetings, produced a stunning late fightback. Enzo Fernandez curled home a brilliant equaliser from 25 yards with five minutes remaining, before Lautaro Martinez rose highest to head in Lionel Messi’s stoppage-time cross and spark wild Argentine celebrations.
For Thomas Tuchel’s side, the agony is compounded by the manner of defeat. Having defended resolutely for much of the second half, England’s resistance was broken in the cruelest fashion possible.
The match was an ill-tempered affair, with American referee Ismail Elfath brandishing several yellow cards as the first half produced 19 fouls. Fernandez had earlier tested Jordan Pickford from distance, but it was England who struck first when Morgan Rogers delivered a pinpoint cross for Gordon to volley home at the far post.
Argentina responded with intent. Pickford was forced into a spectacular reflex save to deny Nico Gonzalez, while Alexis Mac Allister headed against the woodwork as the South Americans piled on the pressure.
The equaliser finally came when Fernandez unleashed an unstoppable strike that gave Pickford no chance, and Mac Allister struck the post again before Martinez’s late heroics sealed England’s fate.
England must now regroup for Saturday’s third-place play-off against France, while Argentina will face Spain in the final as they seek to defend their crown. For England, it is yet another chapter of World Cup heartbreak.
