Prince William has told the England team to ‘hold their heads high’ after their World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina this evening.
The future King praised Thomas Tuchel’s side’s ‘fight and belief’ that ‘inspired us all’ after the Three Lions crashed out 2-1 down to their rivals, headed up by Lionel Messi.
Sharing the result on Instagram, the Prince of Wales wrote: ‘Gutted. England, you gave it everything and we are all so proud of you.
‘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.’
An initially gutsy performance from the Three Lions saw Anthony Gordon put the side one ahead at 55 minutes, but substitutions to send England into a defensive set-up would heartbreakingly backfire.
England were just less than six minutes away from their first World Cup final for 60 years when Enzo Fernandez scored the equaliser that denied them.
This was followed two minutes into injury time by a header from Lautaro Martinez, who secured Argentina’s place in Sunday night’s final against Spain in New York.
Captain Harry Kane comforts goal scorer Anthony Gordon after the final whistle following their 2-1 defeat to Argentina
Kane looks to the skies as Argentina celebrate on the final whistle in Atlanta, Georgia
England football fans at Luna Springs in Birmingham after the Three Lions crashed out of the FIFA World Cup
It was England’s fourth-ever appearance in the final four of a World Cup, making this the most high-stakes match since 1966.
But in a story familiar to long-suffering fans, they just couldn’t keep ahead at the final whistle.
The royals were among those quick to congratulate the team for their impressive run to the semis, with King Charles III taking to social media and writing: ‘Commiserations to Harry and the team.
‘While you Three Lions may be licking your wounds today, you remain the pride of a nation – and will rise again.’
And outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer paid tribute to England’s ‘passion’ and ‘energy’.
Writing on X, he said: ‘Gutted. Tonight wasn’t the result we all hoped for, but this England team has given it their all.
‘The passion and energy they’ve shown representing the badge has made us all proud.’
CEO of the FA, Mark Bullingham, said: ‘It is heartbreaking to be so close. The players and Thomas gave it everything today and the squad, coaches and staff could not have worked harder during the tournament.
‘I would like to thank them all – and also give my heartfelt thanks to our wonderful fans here in the USA and at home. We felt your support every step of the way and we are all so disappointed not to go further.’
But fans and pundits lambasted manager Tuchel for turning to a back five with 35 minutes to go against Messi’s legendary striker boots. Messi was granted assists for both goals against the Three Lions.
Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford sobs at the final whistle after England came within minutes of progressing to the World Cup final
England’s Elliot Anderson reacts after Argentina’s Lisandro Martinez scored the second goal for his team
England fans react with disappointment after defeat to Argentina in the semi-final match between England and Argentina at Freight Island in Manchester
A devastated England fan is comforted in London after tonight’s semi-final
Although it served them well against Mexico, Ezri Konsa coming on for the goal scorer in the 72nd minute to join Reece James, John Stones, Marc Guehi and Djed Spence left England with virtually no opportunities on the front foot.
They found themselves on the defensive, and Dan Burn was later introduced too when Reece James left the field injured.
England were then heavily under the cosh, and Enzo Fernandez and then Lautaro Martinez scored to break English hearts once again.
Although Marcus Rashford and Ivan Toney were brought on in the final minutes, it was just too little, too late, and Tuchel’s side’s increasingly desperate clearances towards the penalty box were delivered with no results.
England’s players were left devastated as their final hope was dashed, with a stony-faced Harry Kane embracing his compatriots.
