England fans have been left heartbroken after the Three Lions were knocked out of the World Cup in a nail-biting 2-1 loss to Argentina.
The ecstasy after Anthony Gordon put England ahead just 10 minutes into the second half came crashing down as Enzo Fernandez equalised 85 minutes in and soured even further when Martinez put Argentina in the lead in the 92nd minute.
It followed a tense game which was littered with fouls and saw tempers flare at the Atlanta Stadium in Georgia.
At Boxpark in Wembley, north London, supporters were dejected after England failed to hold on to their lead. Pictures show fans with their head in their hands as they watched their team once again fail to grasp their chance to make it past the semi-final stage.
Luke and Vee Moore, twin brothers aged 33, were among those there. Vee said: “We fumbled it. I’m feeling disappointed, this was a great chance to win the World Cup and this was a weak Argentina team.
“If we got out-classed, I’d be like, okay, cool. England did not play a better team today. We were too defensive after we went one nil up.”
Luke said: “I’m disappointed, I thought it was coming home. Me and my friends were screaming out ‘you’ve got to bring on subs and attack’. Go for the game, counter, bring Rashford, Madueke, Saka on earlier and kill off the game.”
Leading the messages to the England team, the Prince of Wales said he was “gutted” but “proud” of Thomas Tuchel’s men.
“Gutted. England, you gave it everything and we are all so proud of you,” William wrote on Instagram.
“Thank you to everyone on and off the pitch, for an incredible tournament. The fight and belief you have shown has inspired us all. The most complete England team in a tournament. Hold your heads high.”
Sir Keir Starmer also said he was “gutted” but praised the team’s “passion and energy”.
“Tonight wasn’t the result we all hoped for, but this England team has given it their all,” he said. “The passion and energy they’ve shown representing the badge has made us all proud.”
Fans were quick to criticise Mr Tuchel’s management after he switched to defensive substitutions once England were ahead, ultimately leaving them short after Argentina scored twice in quick succession.
“England’s manager, Tuchel, should definitely take the blame for that’s loss,” one wrote on X. “Poor tactical decision making. Decided to go defensive post Gordon scoring. Can’t expect England to defend for 30 mins straight without conceding. Completely changed the momentum of the game.”
