England 1-2 Argentina PLAYER RATINGS: Which Three Lions talisman had a poor night? Who had the best game of their career even in defeat? And who earns a dismal 3/10?
England’s hopes of reaching the World Cup final for the first time since 1966 were dashed by two late goals from Argentina.
Anthony Gordon gave the Three Lions the lead in the 55th minute and Thomas Tuchel made several changes in defence, trying to get his side over the line.
But Tuchel’s fix backfired badly and Enzo Fernandez’s lightning strike and Lautaro Martinez’s header in injury time broke English hearts.
Daily Mail SportsChief Football Correspondent CRAIG HOPE He was at Atlanta Stadium to give his verdict on the England players and you can make up your mind using our evaluation tool.
It was agony for England and exhilaration for Argentina as the reigning world champions scored two late goals to advance to back-to-back finals.
Thomas Tuchel’s defensive changes backfired badly after the Three Lions took a 1-0 lead against Anthony Gordon in Atlanta.
ENGLAND (4-2-3-1)
Jordan Pickford -7/10
He had nothing to save in the first half, but was there with his strong arms to block Alvarez after halftime. At 1-0 he showed better stance as he went down to keep out Nico Gonzalez’s header. He didn’t like being beaten by Enzo Fernandez from 25 yards but his defense was minimal. Revealed for the winner again.
Reece James – 7
He joined the attack early and an overlap led to Emi Martinez’s teasing cross. On the other hand, he was solid against Argentina’s biggest threat, Julian Alvarez. Alvarez only had a clear chance as he drifted to the right. That’s why England kept the faith despite the injury. It was closed when the game was lost.
John Stones – 7
He came closest in the first half as he climbed over Lisandro, but his header bounced wide. He was composed defensively and showed possession in some tight areas. He then scored a massive goalmouth header as Argentina pressed to equalize. But he was caught out as the winner shortly after his header.
Marc Guehi – 6
Argentina played without a central striker in the first half and Guehi, like Stones, found it easy to defend. I didn’t waste any passes. However, he allowed his back five to drop too deep in the second half and they paid the price for it. There was not enough aggressive resistance.
DJ Spence – 8
The best game of his career until the final turn. A surprise selection but he justified it by making a fast start down the left, giving opponents an extra load to burn. He was equally good defensively and did not allow Giuliano Simeone an inch. He saved a goal after the first half by making a great recovery tackle on the same player. The cramp hit at the wrong time for the winner. MOTHER.
Djed Spence was impressive even in defeat, making a great tackle on Giuliano Simeone to prevent a goal to make it 1-0.
Declan Rice – 6
He didn’t look after himself again in the first half. He cleared the ball, causing a moment of panic at the back and being off the pace compared to Anderson next to him. We made progress after the first half, but we are clearly struggling. We thank him for giving in before finally succumbing to exhaustion.
Elliot Anderson-7
He had received a blow to the back of the head at first, but that seemed to inspire him. In the first half of the battle, he matched his opponent in combat and surpassed them in technique. He then burst onto the scene in the second half with tackles, headers and blocks. It is very unfortunate not to be able to play in the final.
Morgan Rogers-7
He looked to be having a lot of fun early against Nicolas Tagliafico but he too faded and had just 14 touches at half-time. But Gordon only needed one to slot in the poor opener and the sight of David Beckham celebrating the cross told you about the quality of it.
Morgan Rogers justified his selection with a poor cross from Anthony Gordon’s opening kick
Jude Bellingham-6
Argentina and especially Leandro Paredes tried to calm him down, but he remained cool. However, he could not punish them the way he knew best, with his lesson and moments of inspiration. He might have been more alert to danger moments before Enzo won. It wasn’t his night, but it was amazing.
Anthony Gordon-7
Set the tempo with intense pressure from the start. There were moments when he passed his man but could not take the last shot or cross the ball. This changed the second half and showed more willingness from Molina to meet Roger’s ball to attack for the opener. He was sacrificed as England went back to five. He deserved to stay.
Harry Kane (captain) – 5
The penalty area remained untouched in the first half but this has become a feature of the tournament. His best work was from deeper and the forward started to move the ball towards the Gordon goal. However, towards the end, he still had no touch in the area and did not shoot on goal. It’s a bad night.
England captain Harry Kane did not make a single touch in the opposition penalty area on a bad night
RESERVES
Ezri Konsa (On for Gordon, 72 minutes) – 5
A well-timed intervention after his arrival was crucial, but proved fruitless.
Dan Yanık (for Rice, 83)
He was brought in to see the game but quickly found himself playing as a makeshift center after Tuchel’s plan backfired.
Nico O’Reilly (for Rice, 83)
He ran with bundles of energy but struggled to impact the game as England faded.
Marcus Rashford (replaced Spense, 90+6)
He showed up in the final minutes and looked lively, but it didn’t work.
Ivan Toney (for Stones, 90+6)
It’s his first minutes in the tournament but he won’t be happy with the result.
MANAGER
Thomas Tuchel – 3
He was brought in at great cost for moments like this, but he is the reason England were eliminated. He did not support his players at 1-0 and made changes in defense too early. He killed their beliefs. The same mistakes previous managers made.
ARGENTINA (4-3-3)
Martinez 6; Molina 6 (Montiel 72 minutes, 6), Romero 6.5, Lisandro Martinez 7 (Otamendi 72, 6.5), Tagliafico 6.5 (Lautaro Martinez 81); Fernandez 7, Paredes 7 (Gonzalez 64, 7.5), Mac Allister 6.5; Simeone 6 (De Paul 72, 7), Messi 8, Alvarez 7. Goalscorers: Fernandez 85, Lautaro Martinez 90+2. Reservation: Lisandro Martinez, Romero, De Paul.
Coach: Lionel Scaloni – 8
Judge
Ismail Elfath (USA) – 7
He must have thought he was in the ring and not on the football field. There were 19 fouls in the first half and Elfath struggled to show only two yellow cards. England will feel they could have shown more given Argentina were the main attackers, but they did well to keep the tension and players in check on the pitch.
