England captain Harry Kane said trying to hold on to a 1-0 lead backfired as Argentina's late show sealed a 2-1 semi-final victory that ended England's World Cup hopes.
Live updates
Loading updates…
Key facts
- England lost their World Cup semi-final to Argentina 2-1.
- England had led 1-0 before Argentina scored late.
- Captain Harry Kane said holding on to the lead was not enough.
- The result ended England's World Cup campaign.
England’s World Cup run has ended after a 2-1 semi-final defeat to Argentina, with captain Harry Kane admitting that the decision to sit on a slender lead ultimately backfired.
According to Sky Sports, England had been in front 1-0 before Argentina produced a late show to turn the game around and progress in the tournament.
Reflecting on the loss, Kane said that trying to hold on to the advantage was not enough against Argentina, whose late goals proved decisive.
The defeat brings an end to England’s World Cup hopes at the semi-final stage, denying the side a place in the final.
Kane’s comments point to the tactical approach in the closing stages as a key factor in the outcome, with England unable to preserve their lead as Argentina pushed forward.
Why it matters
A World Cup semi-final is one of the biggest stages in international football, and England's exit ends their bid to reach the final. The captain's candid admission about tactics will fuel debate over how the team approached the closing stages of such a high-stakes match.
Frequently asked questions
What was the final score of the England v Argentina semi-final?
Argentina won the World Cup semi-final 2-1, having trailed 1-0 before scoring late.
What did Harry Kane say about the defeat?
Kane admitted that trying to hold on to England's 1-0 lead backfired and was not enough against Argentina.
How far did England get in the World Cup?
England reached the semi-final stage before being knocked out by Argentina.
Timeline
- Kane: Holding on was not enough against Argentina
Sky Sports News: England captain Harry Kane admitted trying to hold on to a 1-0 lead backfired as their World Cup hopes were ended by Argentina's late show in a 2-1 semi-final defeat.