England 1-2 Argentina

England were denied their first World Cup final since 1966 after a stunning late comeback from rivals Argentina saw the holders win 2-1 thanks to Lautaro Martinez’s stoppage-time winner.

Anthony Gordon’s second-half opener gave the Three Lions a 1-0 lead with five minutes of normal time remaining in Atlanta.

But two goals in the space of seven minutes saw a remarkable comeback from Argentina as Enzo Fernandez equalized with a superb 85th-minute strike from distance and substitute Martinez headed in the 92nd-minute winner.

The Argentine made changes after England boss Thomas Tuchel made several defensive substitutions as England looked to hold on to their lead.

But after the change, Argentina took firm control of the game and deservedly came back, with Lionel Messi playing a huge influence as he assisted both goals, setting up a superb cross for Martinez’s winner.

Lionel Scaloni’s side now face Spain in Sunday’s final in New Jersey, while England face France in Saturday’s third-place play-off in Miami.

After back-to-back defeats in European Championship finals, it was another case so close for England, England still averaged just 12 per cent possession after Gordon’s opener until Tuchel’s in-game change resulted in Martinez’s winner.

Tuchel insisted he had “no regrets” about the tactical decisions he said he made BBC Sport On his replacement: “We decided to go to a back five because there were too many gaps and they were too open. We did it to close the gaps inside and be stronger in the air. We were very close, but after we scored we became too passive.”

The German then confirmed the matter in the post-match press conference He will lead the Three Lions at Euro 2028which is being co-hosted by England, Wales, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.

Meanwhile, the captain of England Harry Kane admits Tuchel’s changes have backfired As he said BBC Sport: “Once we went 1-0 up it seemed we held on for the try, which is not enough at this level, so I’m disappointed.”

Merson: Tuchel did the same as Southgate

Paul Merson on Sky Sports News:

“I’m really lost for words. Gareth (Southgate) took a lot of stick defensively – and I thought he did well – and Tuchel came in and did the same as Gareth.

“I understood it in the Mexico game (last-16 win) when we went down to 10 men, and we were under the cosh, but here we have to throw something different at them. We have to learn from it and wait for the Euros.

“I understand Gareth is a defensive coach; he was a defender, so naturally he’s going to be defensive. But I didn’t think that about Tuchel and I thought he would throw Argentina something different and put pressure on them.

“But everything was, ‘We’re going to defend here’, and when they scored we had a lorry load of defenders on the field.”

‘Tuchel got it wrong’

Rob Dorsett on Sky Sports News’ Atlanta:

“It seems unexpectedly that Tuchel got it wrong. The man the FA hired because of his brilliant tactics in the knockout games needs to hold his hand.

“England scored and were on top, and Tuchel moved immediately to try to hold on to what they had.

“Having sat deep in stoppage time for more than half an hour, all the momentum went to Argentina. There were many more warning signs before they scored the equalizer and the winner. Argentina could have scored more by hitting the post twice in the last quarter of the game.

“England can have no complaints. The better team won. But there is an awful feeling that it was largely self-inflicted.”

A damning indictment of Tuchel’s change

Sky Sports’ Ron Walker:

“Did England need to go so deep so early? It’s easy to say in hindsight, but the result of Tuchel’s decision to switch to a back five with 71 minutes gone was as painful to watch as it was to play.

“Not only did they concede territory, they gave up almost 93 per cent of the ball between switching to a back five on 21 minutes and scoring the winner.

“Finally, the Three Lions couldn’t manage a touch in the opposition box after scoring – but when England reverted to their usual tendency to sit back, Tuchel’s changes compounded their problems.

“In 5-4-1, England didn’t have an out ball. Just seven passes in the opposition half and just one touch in the final third after the introduction of Ezri Konsa and Argentina’s second goal.

“That classic English anxiety, and Tuchel’s helpless gamble, invited the reigning World Cup holders and the greatest player of all time to them. His two assists and the two goals Argentina deserved were the perfect punishment.”

Highlights from Atlanta…

3: Flashpoint! Fernandez grabs Anderson, causing both sets of players to push and shove.

33: First shot! Stones headed wide from Rice’s free-kick for the first effort of the game.

Half time! Nineteen fouls, two yellow cards and no shots on target.

47: First shot on target! Alvarez checked Pickford at his near post.

55: Goal! England went ahead with Gordon’s back-post finish from Rodgers’ superb cross.

69: Pickford saves! Pickford got down to push away Nico Gonzalez’s flicked header with one hand from Messi’s cross.

76: Argentina hit the post! McAlastair headed Pickford over De Paul’s superb cross post.

85: Goal! Fernandez’s stunning leveler from distance after intense pressure from Argentina.

90+2: Goal! Argentina completed the turnaround as Lautaro Martinez stepped up.

Player rating…

Your opinion…

Lv: “Another manager went too conservative way too soon, and we were punished for that. Like the Croatia game, like the Italy game.”

Tyler: “Well done, Thomas. You gave the game to Argentina with your horrible tactics. Made Messi and co play in England’s half. Really bad from a manager.”

James Wilson: “The way we are under Southgate, nothing has changed. Score first and sit back and invite the pressure, it hasn’t worked for the last decade. Why did Tuchel think it would work tonight?”

Holt: “Tuchel got it so wrong.”

Dancujo: “It’s because of Tuchel that we’re out. Poor decisions after going 1-0 up, such a negative game; can’t believe a ‘top’ coach would have that mentality. Pathetic. Haven’t played well in a game in this World Cup. Hurts us on the way to the semi-finals.”

Craigyboy79: “Thomas Tuchel lost that game for England – worst game management I’ve ever seen to try to play with six defenders and play more than 30 minutes. Terrible, terrible decision.”

Jacob Sharratt: “Tuchel should be ashamed of himself. How can we be on the front foot for 70 minutes with six defenders!”

Neil B: “We were in control. They couldn’t handle our pressure. Then we stopped by scoring. It’s on Tuchel.”

and staples: “Arguably the worst tactical decision I’ve ever seen from a 1-0 lead. Totally lost momentum, allowed them to hammer our back line. Just poor tactics from Tuchel. Trust him up to this point.”