England player ratings as Argentina end World Cup dream with semi-final comeback

England's World Cup dream came to a heartbreaking end as Argentina came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory in the semi-finals.

Thomas Tuchel's side looked on course for the final after leading until the closing minutes of normal time, but the holders produced a late turnaround to book their place in another World Cup final.

England impressed for long spells, pressing aggressively and limiting Argentina's attacking threat before the momentum swung in Argentina's favour late in the game.

Enzo Fernandez started the comeback in the 85th minute, cancelling out Anthony Gordon's opener.

Lautaro Martinez then struck two minutes into stoppage time to send the holders into the final - where they’ll meet Spain - and end England's hopes of lifting the World Cup.

Tuchel has ‘no regrets’

Speaking after the match, Tuchel defended his tactical decisions and insisted he had no regrets over switching to a back five.

"We decided to go to a back five because there were too many gaps and they were far too open," he told BBC Sport. "We did it to close the gaps inside and be stronger in the air. We were so close, but we got too passive after we scored."

‘It was not enough’

Captain Harry Kane admitted England struggled to maintain their intensity once they moved ahead.

"I'm gutted," Kane said. "Once we went 1-0 up we seemed to just try and hold on which at this level is just not enough, so I'm gutted.

"We worked so hard to be here. The lads have given every last bit of running, sweat, blood, tears, whatever it is, so to fall short like today is just gutting."

Kane also pointed to England's inability to deal with Argentina's growing pressure after taking the lead.

"We struggled to get pressure on the ball," he said. "I thought especially in the first half and at the start of the second half we pressed them well, put them under loads of pressure, especially high up the pitch, which allowed us to win balls and control the game a little bit better.

"After the goal, whether they were putting more men forward or us not being able to match them man-to-man, it was just wave after wave. The lads were putting blocks in but in the end it was not enough.

"The boys were always ready for any moment in the game. When we went ahead, the messaging was to go again and get another goal. Once they scored their two goals, it was to try and find something, but we couldn't find any momentum to get back in the game."

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England player ratings

Jordan Pickford - 7

Made several important saves to keep England in the contest but could do little about either goal.

Reece James - 7

Defended solidly for much of the contest, fully justifying his return to the starting line-up after fitness concerns.

John Stones - 6

Produced a composed display at the heart of the defence before him, along with England’s backline, which stumbled under pressure during Argentina’s comeback.

Marc Guehi - 6

Had a strong game, but like Stones, couldn’t do much to contain Argentina’s threat at the end of the game.

Djed Spence - 8

England's standout performer. Defended well throughout, silencing doubters..

Declan Rice - 6

Looked more himself after battling with an illness with some strong moments throughout the game.

Elliot Anderson - 8

Tasked to cover Lionel Messi, he held his own, covered plenty of ground, and was heavily involved in the midfield battle.

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Bukayo Saka - 6

Showed flashes of quality but was unable to influence the game consistently.

Jude Bellingham - 6

Had some good moments, particularly in the early parts of the game, but failed to have the impact he’s had throughout the tournament.

Anthony Gordon - 7

Scored England’s only goal - arguably the most important goal of his life to date.

Harry Kane - 5

Failed to make the decisive impact England needed.

England's campaign ultimately ended in disappointment after another painful semi-final exit.

While there were positives to take from their overall tournament performances, Argentina showed why they remain world champions by punishing England's inability to see the game through.

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