Prince William tells Three Lions to ‘hold their heads high’ after World Cup loss to Argentina
Prince William told the England team to ‘keep their heads up’ after their World Cup semi-final defeat against Argentina on Wednesday.
The future King praised the “fight and belief” of Thomas Tuchel’s team, which “inspired us all” after the Three Lions, led by Lionel Messi, lost 2-1 to their rivals.
Sharing the result on Instagram, the Prince of Wales wrote: ‘They are gutted. England, you gave it your all and we are all proud of you.
‘Thank you to everyone on and off the field for an incredible tournament. Your struggle and faith inspired us all.
‘The most complete England team in a tournament. ‘Keep your head up.’
A brave early performance from the Three Lions allowed Anthony Gordon to put the team ahead in the 55th minute, but substitutions made to force England into defensive formation would backfire in heartbreaking fashion.
With the equalizer goal scored by Enzo Fernandez, England were less than six minutes away from reaching the World Cup final for the first time in 60 years.
This was followed two minutes after the end of extra time by Lautaro Martinez’s header, which secured Argentina’s place in Sunday night’s final against Spain in New York.
Captain Harry Kane comforts striker Anthony Gordon after the final whistle of their 2-1 defeat to Argentina
Kane looks to the sky as Argentina celebrates the final whistle in Atlanta, Georgia
English football fans at Luna Springs in Birmingham following the Three Lions’ relegation from the FIFA World Cup
This was England’s fourth appearance in the final four at a World Cup, making it the highest-stakes match since 1966.
But in a story familiar to long-suffering fans, they failed to take the lead at the final whistle.
The Royals were among those who were quick to congratulate the team on their impressive run to the semi-finals; King III. Charles wrote on social media: ‘Our condolences to Harry and the team.
‘Even though you Three Lions are licking your wounds today, you will continue to be the pride of a nation and you will rise again.’
Sir David Beckham also shared an emotional post.
He wrote: ‘Heartbreak for us all, apart from inspiring memories that will last forever… Thank you to our team, our fans and our country for all you have given us in this World Cup.’
Outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also paid tribute to Britain’s ‘passion’ and ‘energy’.
Writing about X, he said: ‘They are eviscerated. It wasn’t the result we all hoped for tonight but the England team did their best.
‘The passion and energy they showed while representing the badge made us all proud.’
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said: ‘It’s heartbreaking to be so close. The players and Thomas gave their all today and the team, coaches and staff could not have worked harder throughout the tournament.
I want to thank them all, and I also extend my heartfelt thanks to our wonderful fans in the US and at home. We’ve felt your support every step of the way and we’re all very disappointed we couldn’t go further.’
But fans and pundits blasted coach Tuchel for reverting to a back five with 35 minutes remaining against Messi’s legendary striker’s boots. Messi assisted both goals against the Three Lions.
Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford cried as the final whistle blew after England advanced to the World Cup final
England’s Elliot Anderson reacted after Argentinian Lisandro Martinez scored the second goal for his team
England fans were disappointed after losing to Argentina in the semi-final match between England and Argentina at Freight Island in Manchester.
A devastated England fan is consoled in London after tonight’s semi-final
Although he served them well against Mexico, Ezri Konsa, who came on as a striker alongside Reece James, John Stones, Marc Guehi and Djed Spence in the 72nd minute, left England with almost no opportunity on the front foot.
They found themselves defending and Dan Burn was later brought on when Reece James left the field injured.
England were under great pressure at that time and Enzo Fernandez and then Lautaro Martinez broke English hearts once again by scoring goals.
Although Marcus Rashford and Ivan Toney were brought on in the dying minutes, it was too little, too late and Tuchel’s team’s increasingly desperate attempts towards the penalty area proved fruitless.
England’s players were left distraught as their last hopes were dashed as a stone-faced Harry Kane embraced his compatriots.
