Argentina Overcomes England With Late World Cup Semifinal Surge

The match remained deadlocked through a cautious first half, with England’s disciplined defensive structure effectively stifling Lionel Messi’s creative influence. The breakthrough arrived in the 55th minute when Anthony Gordon converted a Morgan Rogers cross to put England ahead. Attempting to protect the narrow advantage, manager Thomas Tuchel withdrew Gordon for center-back Ezri Konza, shifting the team into a defensive five-back formation.

Argentina’s relentless pressure eventually dismantled the retreating English defense. In the 85th minute, Enzo Fernández capitalized on a precise pass from Messi to equalize. As England struggled to regain composure, Argentina maintained their momentum, culminating in a 92nd-minute winner from Lautaro Martínez. The result sends Argentina to the final while marking a bitter exit for England, whose attempt to defend a lead ultimately proved insufficient against the South American side’s late-game surge.