Spence's World Cup gamble pays off but England crash in Atlanta

Enzo Fernandez hit a screamer from distance to level things, then Lautaro Martinez delivered the dagger: a stoppage-time header that sent the Three Lions packing. Argentina, off to the final against Spain.

Thomas Tuchel took a punt on Jayden Spence. And for once, it actually paid off. The left-back was immense, delivering a superb defensive shift. That crucial tackle on Giuliano Simeone in the second half? One of the few moments worth recalling. A shame the rest of the team was busy melting down.

England's defensive setup? A disaster waiting to happen. Argentina simply applied pressure, and it all fell apart. Kyle Walker, to his credit, mostly contained Messi even after an early yellow. But Guehi and Akanji struggled, offering about as much resistance as a wet paper bag. The gameplan? Shredded. Kane, meanwhile, was marooned upfront, offering absolutely nothing when England desperately needed an outlet. And Bellingham? He vanished, a ghost in what should have been a midfield brawl.

Declan Rice, back from illness, managed to put in some decent set-piece crosses – an improvement, sure. But his usual drive? Missing in action. Saka provided the assist for England’s sole goal, then promptly faded the moment defensive chores started piling up. Gordon buried Rogers' cross, then got hooked as England decided to cower in their own box.

Trying to protect a one-goal lead was tactically brain-dead. It left them wide open for Argentina's brutal late assault. The whole shambles perfectly summed up a tournament that, let’s be honest, never really got off the ground.