England player ratings: Djed Spence and Anthony Gordon catch the eye but captain Harry Kane struggles in 2026 FIFA World Cup defeat to Argentina

The battle lines were drawn before this semi-final clash got underway as both sets of fans booed each other's national anthems ahead of kick off.

And the final-four showdown followed that same pattern with neither side able to build up any form of momentum prior to the first-half hydration break.

It took until the 33rd minute for the first effort as John Stones headed a Declan Rice free-kick harmlessly past the far post.

Argentina then chanced their luck a few minutes later as Lionel Messi's blocked effort fell kindly for Enzo Fernandez to rifle an effort just wide of the post.

Jordan Pickford was called into action shortly after the break as he denied Julian Alvarez at his near post. Alvarez then saw a second effort deflected behind for a corner as Argentina sought to take an early second-half advantage.

England took the lead through Anthony Gordon in the 55th minute as the Barcelona star beat his marker at the far post to tuck Morgan Rogers' cross past Emiliano Martinez.

Pickford was again called upon in the final action before the second-half hydration break to palm a low Nico Gonzalez header away.

The break spurred Argentina into action, and England were saved by the woodwork after Alexis Mac Allister headed Rodrigo De Paul's cross onto the post.

The 2022 winners continued to huff and puff, as Gonzalez headed just wide, though the winger was flagged offside.

And they were duly rewarded with five minutes to go. Fernandez was denied from range by Pickford, but the resulting corner found its way to the Chelsea man to rifle Argentina level.

Mac Allister struck the post again with a low drive before substitute Lautaro Martinez headed in the winner in second-half stoppage time.

England continued to push for an equaliser to take the tie to extra time, but it was all in vain as England's World Cup journey came to an end.

Jordan Pickford - 7 - Had nothing to do in the first half. Wouldn't have been able to stop Fernandez's 37th minute effort had it been on target. Made a smart near-post stop to deny Alvarez, who then forced a corner with a deflected effort shortly after the restart. Got down brilliantly to push a low Gonzalez header away from danger. Tipped over a Fernandez effort from range over the bar as the clock ticked towards the 90. Could do little to keep the Chelsea man's rasping 25-yard strike out, nor Martinez's late header.

Reece James - 6 - Made his first World Cup start since the Ghana stalemate. Overlapped well down the right, though was restricted in his efforts to create chances. Came off with 10 minutes to go.

John Stones - 6 - Given the nod ahead of Ezri Konsa to partner Marc Guehi. Headed a Rice free-kick just wide on the half-hour mark. Made a flying headed clearance midway through the second half to deny Nicolas Tagliafico an easy finish. Turned a Messi cross away with a superb header in the dying embers. Couldn't repeat the feat in injury time.

Marc Guehi - 6 - Another composed display from the Manchester City centre-back. Could do nothing to prevent the Argentina equaliser.

Djed Spence - 7 - A surprise starter at left-back. Made a superb start to the game, which included a solid block on Giuliano Simeone after a quick Messi free-kick. On hand to make an absolutely sensational last-man challenge on Simeone. Like his team-mates, he couldn't handle the Argentina onslaught after England went ahead before his late withdrawal.

Elliot Anderson - 7 - Was on the receiving end of a couple of niggly Argentina tackles in the opening exchanges as he sought to take the game by the scruff of the neck. Booked a few minutes before the break for a foul on Messi.

Declan Rice - 7 - Picked out Stones with a fine free-kick to the back post with 32 minutes on the clock. Not the most dominant display from the Arsenal man but he wasn't rattled by the Argentine antics.

Morgan Rogers - 7 - Started ahead of Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke down the England right. A subdued opening 45, it was the Aston Villa man's work on the ball that resulted in Lisandro Martinez's first-half yellow card. Picked out Gordon brilliantly for the opening goal 10 minutes after the interval.

Jude Bellingham - 6 - Targeted by the Argentina midfield from the outset but showed no reaction to tough challenges from the likes of Leandro Paredes, Simeone and Fernandez. Not the big-game showing many were hoping for from the Real Madrid star.

Anthony Gordon - 8 - Looked to cut in from the left to forge England's first chance prior to the hydration break, only to run into trouble. Fired the Three Lions in front as he beat his marker to tuck Rogers' cross past Emiliano Martinez. Came off with 20 minutes to go.

Harry Kane - 5 - Forced to drop deeper in order to find space in a quiet start to the semi-final encounter. An anonymous showing from the England captain.

Ezri Konsa - 5 - Was the first man off the bench Tuchel turned to. Didn't get close enough to Lisandro Martinez for the eventual winner.

Dan Burn - 5 - Unable to help England confirm the win. Argentina scored twice after he came on.

Nico O'Reilly - 6 - Came on for Rice as England looked to see out the game.

Ivan Toney - N/A - Thrown on late on to rescue the game for England.

Marcus Rashford - N/A - Replaced Spence for the dying embers.

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