England's World Cup dream ended in heartbreak as Argentina staged a stunning late comeback to win 2-1 in the semi-final at Atlanta Stadium. Anthony Gordon's second-half opener had England on course for a first final since 1966, but goals from Enzo Fernandez and substitute Lautaro Martinez in the final seven minutes sent the holders through. Here are the player ratings from a dramatic night in Atlanta, as published by The Guardian.
England Player Ratings
England lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with several standout performers in what was ultimately a losing effort.
Jordan Pickford (7): Had little chance with either goal and made a sensational save from Gonzalez, but that will be forgotten now.
Reece James (7): Dominated his flank and justified his recall after injury.
John Stones (7): A rock until the last 10 minutes, when his lack of match sharpness showed.
Marc Guehi (7): Reliable as ever, didn't put a foot wrong and was unlucky to lose.
Djed Spence (8): Won over the doubters with a brilliant display, including a Bobby Moore-esque tackle on Simeone.
Elliot Anderson (7): All-action, but booked for a cynical foul on Lionel Messi.
Declan Rice (6): More like his usual self, but had to be sacrificed as England tried to protect the lead.
Morgan Rogers (7): Preferred in an unusual right-flank role and set up Gordon brilliantly.
Jude Bellingham (6): Fired up but couldn't save England this time, nearly losing his rag in injury time.
Anthony Gordon (8): Came of age in the tournament; his World Cup semi-final goal will live long in the memory.
Harry Kane (5): Launched the long pass for the goal but was otherwise largely anonymous.
Substitutes
Ezri Konsa (5): Slotted into a back three but at fault for Martinez's equaliser.
Dan Burn (5): Third time unlucky after previous nervy cameos.
Nico O'Reilly (5): Couldn't prevent Messi's cross for the winner.
Ivan Toney (6): Introduced far too late to make an impact.
Marcus Rashford (6): Tried to drag England level in stoppage time.
Argentina Player Ratings
Lionel Scaloni's side started 4-3-3 and grew into the game after going behind.
Emiliano Martinez (6): No chance with Gordon's goal; otherwise a spectator.
Nahuel Molina (6): Struggled against the Spence-Gordon combination.
Cristian Romero (8): Squared up to Bellingham early and showed nifty footwork to escape trouble.
Lisandro Martinez (7): Walked a tightrope after an early booking and was unsurprisingly taken off.
Nicolas Tagliafico (5): His error led to Gordon's goal; had his hands full with Rogers.
Leandro Paredes (5): Early reducer on Anderson but couldn't control midfield.
Enzo Fernandez (8): Inches from a spectacular first-half goal before his stunning equaliser.
Alexis Mac Allister (8): Back to his best, hitting both posts in a lively display.
Giuliani Simeone (6): Like father, like son – always involved but missed a clear chance.
Lionel Messi (9): Imperious touches and mazy runs defied his age; deserves to sign off on the biggest stage.
Julian Alvarez (8): Caused problems all afternoon down the left; Messi's heir in waiting.
Substitutes
Nicolas Gonzalez (8): Denied by Pickford but added attacking impetus.
Nicolas Otamendi (7): Still performing at an incredible level for his age.
Gonzalo Montiel (7): A massive upgrade on Molina as Argentina chased the game.
Rodrigo De Paul (8): Surprise omission from the XI, but helped change the game.
Lautaro Martinez (8): Argentina's hero with a brilliant headed winner.
