England v Argentina LIVE: Enzo Fernandez thumps stunning late equaliser in chaotic World Cup semi-final

England’s World Cup dream ended in the cruellest fashion as Argentina twice snatched late goals to eliminate the Three Lions in a semi-final that will be remembered for its chaos rather than its quality. Anthony Gordon’s first-half strike had given Gareth Southgate’s side a lead to defend, but Enzo Fernández’s thunderous long-range effort and Lautaro Martínez’s close-range header in stoppage time turned the tie on its head and sent Argentina to Sunday’s final against Spain.

The goals that shattered England

Gordon’s finish, a close-range conversion from Morgan Rogers’ whipped cross, arrived in the 55th minute and briefly steadied England’s nerves. For 30 minutes, the Three Lions clung to their advantage, but Argentina’s relentless pressure finally broke through when Fernández curled a 25-yard strike beyond Jordan Pickford in the 86th minute. The Chelsea midfielder’s strike, described as a “super strike,” evaded defenders and nestled inside the far post, sparking wild celebrations on the Argentina bench.

The final dagger arrived in the fourth minute of added time. Lionel Messi’s searching ball found Martínez, who rose unmarked to head past Pickford and complete a scarcely believable turnaround. By then, England were down to six recognised defenders after John Stones withdrew with a head injury, leaving Southgate’s side with no realistic way to respond.

Why this defeat stings so deeply

This was England’s third consecutive major-tournament semi-final exit, following defeats to Italy in the Euro 2020 shootout and Ukraine in the 2022 World Cup quarter-final. The pattern is now unmistakable: progress to the last four followed by a collapse under pressure. Against Argentina, the psychological weight of the occasion appeared to tell as England, so composed in the group stage and against Nigeria, wilted when faced with a side brimming with tournament experience.

The defeat also marks the end of the line for a generation of players whose careers will now be scrutinised through the prism of what might have been. Southgate, already under intense scrutiny, will face renewed questions about his tactical approach and squad selection, particularly after opting to introduce Ollie Watkins and Conor Gallagher late in the game.

What comes next for both sides

Argentina will now prepare to face Spain in a final that pits two of the tournament’s most fluid, possession-rich teams against each other. The South Americans, buoyed by the momentum of this victory and the individual brilliance of Messi, will arrive in Miami as slight favourites, while Spain’s pragmatic dismantling of France in their semi-final suggests they remain the team in form.

For England, the focus shifts to rebuilding. The squad’s lack of a natural striker capable of converting half-chances was exposed, while the defence’s vulnerability to quick transitions—exemplified by the space left for Messi’s assist—will demand urgent attention. Southgate’s future remains uncertain, but the next cycle must address the chasm between promise and execution that has defined this era.

One thing is certain: England’s players will carry the scars of this defeat for years. The late collapse in Qatar four years ago was painful; the agony of conceding twice in the dying moments in Atlanta will linger far longer.