The Three Lions were bidding to return to the showpiece event for the first time since 1966, but Lautaro Martinez’s 92nd-minute header extends England’s years of hurt.
Argentina will face Spain in Sunday’s final in New Jersey, while England play France in Saturday’s third-play playoff.
It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey… right?
England have another glorious failure to add to their now overflowing locker of post-1966 World Cup misery.
It could all have been so different. The Three Lions were five minutes of normal time away from the World Cup final. Damn.
It must be said, though, that Argentina were worthy winners and watching the European champions against the South American champions is going to be a treat on Sunday.
Saturday’s third-place playoff? Not so much.
But that will be when I speak to you next. So until then, I wish all you fellow Englanders a pleasant evening.
Argentina players hold up Falklands Islands banner
Argentina players celebrated their World Cup semifinal victory over England by holding a banner about the Falkland Islands on the pitch in Atlanta.
Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni had said before the game he did not want the fixture to become about the conflict over the British overseas territory.
But after his side came from 1-0 down with five minutes left to win 2-1 to reach a second successive World Cup final, players held up a banner that read ‘Las Malvinas son Argentinas’ which translates to ‘The Falkland Islands are Argentinian’.
Political tensions linger between Argentina and Great Britain over the Falkland Islands, which boiled over into conflict in 1982. — PA
ESPN has contacted FIFA for comment.
