England endured World Cup heartbreak once again after defeat to Argentina in the semi-finals on Wednesday night.
Despite leading late, the Three Lions were unable to resist Argentina’s late pressure as the world champions staged a turnaround in Atlanta.
Here is how we rated the England players.
Jordan Pickford – 7: Some might question Pickford for Argentina’s equaliser, but it was a fine strike from Enzo Fernandez that came through bodies. The Everton number one had kept England ahead with a brilliant low save from Nico Gonzalez.
A great save from Jordan Pickford to deny Argentina an equaliser! 🧤 pic.twitter.com/ovO0efJVlK
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) July 15, 2026
Reece James – 6: A solid enough showing from James, without offering the real creative threat we know he can provide. Did his defensive task well and was not dribbled past before his substitution.
John Stones – 6: Handed a start for his experience and used it as England attempted to weather a storm. Once fantastic clearing header helped relieve danger. Could he have been tighter to Lautaro Martinez for the winner?
Marc Guehi – 6: Largely untroubled for the most part, but up against it when England went into deep defensive lines.
Djed Spence – 8: England’s best performer. Offered an outlet with some positive dribbling, twice showcasing what he can provide with nutmegs and powers past opposition. Recovery tackle to stop Simeone was out of this world. Comes out of this tournament with huge credit.
WHAT A TACKLE FROM DJED SPENCE 👊 pic.twitter.com/kyrHBS0tzX
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 15, 2026
Elliot Anderson- 7: Thoroughly involved from the off, Anderson appeared to be bundled over by Argentina’s aggressive approach routinely in the opening exchanges. Tasked with stopping Messi and was cautioned for one crunching challenge on the 39-year-old. Solid, as he has been all summer.
Declan Rice – 6: Full of trademark energy even if there’s a sense that Rice hasn’t been his true self throughout this tournament. The Arsenal midfielder needs a long rest.
Morgan Rogers – 6: Drifted in and out of the game, but justified his inclusion with a fantastic cross to set up Gordon’s opener. England needed to get him involved more.
Jude Bellingham – 6: Did well to keep his cool despite clear tactics to rile him up. Bellingham has been outstanding at this tournament but was unable to impact this game as he would have liked, despite no shortage of effort. Hindered by England’s retreat after going ahead.
Anthony Gordon – 7: Took his goal really well and led the press from the front impressively. Some nice link-up with Djed Spence.
Harry Kane – 6: Just couldn’t get into the game as he would have liked. Dropped deep in search of involvement, but that nullified England’s threat. Didn’t have a single touch inside the Argentina box.
A frustrating end to what had been a brilliant World Cup for the pair, with both netting six goals during the tournament 👏 pic.twitter.com/HkXS2gqsAp
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) July 15, 2026
Substitutes
Ezri Konsa – 6: Brought on as England tried to shut up shop but could do little to stop the onslaught.
Nico O’Reilly – 6: Injected some energy into midfield, though England had all but given up hope of going forward. Another who deserves rest after a big season.
Dan Burn – 6: Introduced to help England defend their box, ended up as an auxiliary forward. Not how Tuchel would have envisioned it after Burn’s Mexico heroics.
Ivan Toney – N/A: First minutes of the tournament and no time to make a real impact.
Marcus Rashford – N/A: Another desperate roll of the dice as England chased an equaliser. Made one bright run.
Read – Tuchel vows to continue as England manager after World Cup
See more – Five of England’s best ever World Cup goals
