England v Argentina player ratings: Iconic defender earns 8/10 but Thomas Tuchel costs Three Lions

By admin — In News — July 15, 2026

   ​England suffered late heartbreak in their World Cup semi-final against Argentina as the defending champions produced a stunning late comeback to reach another final, where they will play Spain on Sunday.The Three Lions, bidding to reach a first men’s World Cup final in 60 years, took the lead early in the second half when Anthony Gordon steered in a cross from Morgan Rogers.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIt looked to be a crucial breakthrough, following a tetchy first half littered with fouls and which saw no shots on target, but England then dropped too deep and invited endless waves of pressure from Argentina.Eventually, the defending champions broke through with Enzo Fernandez beating Jordan Pickford with a stunning goal from range before Lautaro Martinez grabbed the winner with a header at the back post.Here are how the players rated from England’s World Cup semi-final against ArgentinaJordan Pickford, 6: The England goalkeeper could do little about the second goal but perhaps got his positioning a little off for the first. Can’t be blamed for not holding out after a surprising change in tactics.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementReece James, 6: Looked to get forward at every opportunity and troubled the Argentina defence at times. Helped England threaten and was solid enough in defence before coming off.John Stones, 6: Another settled performance in the first half as neither side was able to really trouble the other. Was called into action much more frequently in the second half, and made a pivotal clearing header to prevent a ball across goal. Was up against it late on as England sat back.Marc Guehi, 6: On the whole was also untroubled for the most part in the first half, and could do little about Argentina’s equaliser. Was another who was put up against it as Tuchel changed tactics, and was unable to hold out for the 30 minutes or so.Djed Spence, 8: The Spurs defender was the player of the game for England. He made good early dribbles, made space for Gordon and looked a real threat in attack, while also putting in a superb sliding challenge to prevent Simeone right after England had scored.Spence produced a stunning challenge on Simeone (Reuters)Elliot Anderson, 7: Seemed to be everywhere at one point, and looked like the man tasked with marshalling Messi’s every move. Did it well in the first half but was deservedly booked. Couldn’t do much as Messi dropped deeper to affect play, but had a solid performance.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementDeclan Rice, 6: Also seemed to be everywhere and brought plenty of energy to the first portion of the first half, though again maybe wasn’t quite himself. Was unable to take control of the midfield throughout.Morgan Rogers, 6: Took on his man at the first opportunity and dovetailed well with James. Was left a little isolated at times but put in a brilliant cross for the opening goal and gave a performance deserving of his starting berth.Jude Bellingham, 7: Argentina tried   

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