England player ratings vs Argentina with one 8/10 as Three Lions suffer heartbreak | Football | Sport

England suffered more World Cup heartbreak at the hands of world champions Argentina after leading with just five minutes of normal time remaining. England were looking to reach a first World Cup final since 1966 but fell at the final-four stage once more in Atlanta. Anthony Gordon had put the Three Lions in front at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium after arriving at the back post to finish past Emi Martinez from Morgan Rogers’ perfect cross.

With just five minutes remaining in Atlanta, England were slow to close down Enzo Fernandez as the Chelsea midfielder thrashed in a stunning long-range equaliser. And substitute Lautaro Martinez latched on to Lionel Messi’s cross in the second minute of stoppage time to complete the Argentina comeback as the holders reached a second successive final.

Express Sport rates and slates the England players…

A stunning low stop to get low and push Nico Gonzalez’s header away after a sumptuous Lionel Messi cross but was thankful to his post when Alexis Mac Allister rattled it with a header. Tipped Enzo Fernandez’s rising drive over the bar yet couldn’t stop the Chelsea midfielder making it 1-1 or Martinez scoring the second. Not to blame for either.

Poor to let Giuliano Simeone keep an Argentina attack alive 14 minutes in but was a lot sturdier after that. England needed better from his wide deliveries but defensively he did his bit before going off with a knock.

Headed a first-half free-kick wide in England’s only proper first-half attempt on goal. Superb defending second half to stop Tagliafico getting a header on goal but couldn’t hold Argentina out at the death.

Battled gamely with Simeone and was great on the ball. Defended well throughout but ultimately couldn’t hold Argentina out.

England’s best player. Set the tone with his energy, pushing high up the pitch to press and willingly getting forward on the ball too. Bullied a bit by Julian Alvarez before two quickfire shots early in the second half but recovered to produce the tackle of the tournament to dispossess Simeone inside the box. His performance deserved victory.

Had some sloppy moments first half but great work in the build-up for the goal when he was first to the loose ball. His defensive contributions and organisation were key second half. Looked far more like himself after struggling physically against Norway but tired towards the end and was subbed.

Shown a very harsh yellow card when Messi tumbled into him but was a Duracell Bunny for England in the centre of the park. Got sucked towards the ball before the second goal, though, when he needed to stick closer to Fernandez.

A great dribble helped bring a yellow card for Lisandro Martinez but was otherwise blunted first half. Produced a magnificent cross into the perfect position for Gordon’s goal. Justified his starting spot with that alone.

Loved the physical tussle. Great use of his stature to muscle Messi out of play in one second-half instance and brought a yellow out of Cristian Romero. But not able to influence the attack as much as previous matches. Late to close down Fernandez as he made it 1-1.

Some confident drives down the left early on but then faded before the half-time whistle. But a brilliant run to catch Nahuel Molina napping and make it 1-0 at the back post with a clever finish out of Emi Martinez’s reach. Subbed after a great shift.

Just 13 touches and six completed passes in a quiet first half. Played an important ball forward in the move that led to Gordon’s opener but then forced to do more defensively, than offensively, second half. Was too quiet all game.

Ezri Konsa (Gordon 72′) – 6

Came on as England switched to a three at the back. Wasn’t close enough to Mac Allister when he headed against the post.

Dan Burn (Rice 82′) – N/A

Came on to help England hang on but couldn’t.

Nico O’Reilly (James 82′) – N/A

A late replacement for the injured Reece James.

Ivan Toney (Stones 90+6′) – N/A

Marcus Rashford (Spence 90+6) – N/A