Argentina eliminates England from World Cup with late double

Argentina eliminated England from the World Cup semi-final with two late goals, securing a place in Sunday’s final against Spain. Thomas Tuchel’s side took a second-half lead through Anthony Gordon but collapsed in the closing stages, conceding an 86th-minute equaliser to Enzo Fernández and a late winner to Lautaro Martínez.

The match was a tense, physical affair with minimal clear chances in the first half. England’s expected goals stood at 0.05 compared to Argentina’s 0.03 by the break, with the first effort not arriving until the 33rd minute.

England broke the deadlock in the 55th minute when Morgan Rogers delivered a cross for Gordon to finish at close range. Tuchel subsequently shifted to a five-defender formation, bringing on Ezri Konsa for Gordon in an attempt to protect the lead, a tactic that had previously succeeded against Mexico.

The defensive adjustment instead invited sustained pressure from Argentina. Fernández equalised with a fierce drive following a short corner involving Lionel Messi, who later set up Martínez for the winning header after Alexis Mac Allister had struck the post.

England’s early exit carries tangible consequences for the domestic football economy. Deep tournament runs traditionally trigger substantial broadcast bonuses, sponsor activations, and heightened merchandise revenues for the Football Association and affiliated UK businesses.

Instead of capitalising on these commercial opportunities, England now faces a familiar post-tournament inquest. Tuchel’s side struggled creatively throughout the contest and failed to mount a serious threat to goalkeeper Emi Martínez after taking the lead.

The defeat adds another chapter to a fraught sporting history between the two nations, echoing previous World Cup clashes in 1986, 1998, and 2002. Argentina will now face Spain in the final, while England’s players return home without the economic and sporting rewards of a final appearance.