England’s World Cup dream is over after a heartbreaking night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where Argentina conjured yet another late comeback to reach Sunday’s final against Spain.
Thomas Tuchel’s side were the better team for long stretches, with Manchester City midfielder Elliot Anderson driving England forward with his characteristic energy and intensity in the first half.
However, a moment of recklessness saw him collect a yellow card for serious foul play in the 37th minute – a booking that ultimately contributed to his withdrawal just past the hour mark, robbing England of one of their most industrious performers at a critical juncture.
The Three Lions took the lead they arguably deserved when Anthony Gordon tapped home Morgan Rogers’ cross on 55 minutes.
City centre-back Marc Guehi had been imperious throughout, mopping up Argentine attacks with composure and authority, and looked set to help England to their first World Cup final since 1966.
Fellow City man James Trafford remained unused on the bench, with Jordan Pickford deputising between the sticks.
But Argentina, as they have done so often this tournament, refused to accept defeat. Enzo Fernández levelled with a stunning 20-yard strike in the 85th minute before Lionel Messi – who else – delivered a pinpoint cross for Lautaro Martínez to head home in stoppage time.
Nico O’Reilly, introduced late for Declan Rice, could only watch on as England’s hopes evaporated. Messi, with two assists on the night, marches on. England, painfully, do not.
Elliot Anderson match statistics vs Argentina
Minutes Played – 90
Goals – 0
Assists – 0
Expected assists (xA) – 0.02
xG + xA – 0.02
Accurate Passes – 43/53 (81%)
Chances Created – 0
Defensive Contributions – 8
Touches – 73
Touches in Opposition Box – 1
Successful Dribbles – 1/1 (100%)
Passes into Final Third – 7
Accurate Long Balls – 3/6 (50%)
Dispossessed – 1
Defensive Contributions8
Marc Guehi match statistics vs Argentina
Minutes Played – 90
Goals – 0
Assists – 0
Expected Assists (xA) – 0.01
xG + xA – 0.01
Accurate Passes – 54/55 (98%)
Chances Created – 0
Defensive Contributions – 5
Touches – 62
Touches in Opposition Box – 0
Passes into Final Third – 4
Dispossessed – 0
Defensive Contributions – 5
Tackles – 0
Blocks – 0
Clearances – 4
Headed Clearances – 2
Interceptions – 1
Recoveries – 6
Dribbled Past – 0
Ground Duels Won – 1/2 (50%)
Aerial Duels Won – 1/2 (50%)
Was Fouled – 1
Fouls Committed – 1
Nico O’Reilly match statistics vs Argentina
Minutes Played – 8
Goals – 0
Assists – 0
Accurate Passes – 0/0 (0%)
Chances Created – 0
Defensive Contributions – 2
Touches – 6
Touches in Opposition Box – 0
Dispossessed – 0
Defensive Contributions – 2
Tackles – 0
Blocks – 2
Clearances – 0
Interceptions – 0
Recoveries – 0
Dribbled Past – 1
Ground Duels Won – 0/1 (0%)
Aerial Duels Won – 1/1 (100%)
Was Fouled – 0
Fouls Committed – 0
James Trafford match statistics vs Argentina
Minutes Played – 0
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