BBC Sport's England reporter Alex Howell assessed the individual performances of England players after the Three Lions were knocked out of the World Cup semi-final by Argentina.
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Key facts
- England lost to Argentina in the World Cup semi-final.
- BBC Sport's England reporter Alex Howell rated the players after the match.
- The assessment carried the line that 'the change didn't work'.
England’s World Cup campaign ended at the semi-final stage after a defeat to Argentina, with BBC Sport publishing player ratings assessing how the Three Lions performed on the night.
The ratings were compiled by BBC Sport’s England reporter Alex Howell, who evaluated the individual contributions of the players involved in the match.
The headline framing of the coverage, ‘the change didn’t work’, points to a tactical or personnel decision during the game that, in the reporter’s assessment, failed to produce the desired outcome.
Player rating pieces are a staple of post-match coverage, offering readers a breakdown of how each member of the squad fared across the course of the fixture against Argentina.
The defeat brings a close to England’s run in the tournament, with Argentina progressing beyond the semi-final stage at the Three Lions’ expense.
Why it matters
A World Cup semi-final is one of the biggest fixtures in international football, and England's exit marks the end of the nation's run in the tournament. Post-match player ratings help supporters understand how individual performances shaped the result.
Frequently asked questions
Who did England lose to in the World Cup semi-final?
England lost to Argentina in the World Cup semi-final, according to BBC Sport.
Who wrote the England player ratings?
The player ratings were written by BBC Sport's England reporter Alex Howell.
Timeline
- 'The change didn't work' – England player ratings
BBC Sport: BBC Sport's England reporter Alex Howell rates the players after the Three Lions lost to Argentina in the World Cup semi-final.