England vs Argentina 2026 World Cup Semifinal: Player Ratings and Match Recap

Messi’s Magic Seals Argentina’s Comeback Against England

Argentina seemed moments away from elimination in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals after Anthony Gordon’s early second-half strike gave England the lead. The defending champions, however, staged an unforgettable rally, with Lionel Messi orchestrating two crucial assists that turned the tide. Enzo Fernandez fired a stunning long-range equalizer, then Lautaro Martinez came off the bench to head home the winner, sending Argentina through to the final.

England’s coach Thomas Tuchel made a tactical misstep by retreating too soon, inviting relentless pressure. The team appeared to lose their grip as Argentina grew stronger, eventually breaking through late.

Match Details

• Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
• Referee: Ismael Elfath (USA)

England Player Ratings

• Jordan Pickford (6/10): Made some key saves in the second half, notably denying Nico Gonzalez’s header. Could have done better on Lautaro Martinez’s winner.
• Reece James (6): Active going forward early but faded after England took the lead. Subbed off at 82 minutes.
• John Stones (6): Limited defensive action but helped clear danger multiple times. Tired late and replaced.
• Marc Guehi (7): Strong passing and consistent defensively in the first half, less effective after England retreated.
• Djed Spence (9): Bright attacking presence on the left, brilliant defensive tackle on Giuliano Simeone. One of England’s best performers.
• Declan Rice (5): Quiet first half, offered little impact overall despite some involvement leading to England’s goal.
• Elliot Anderson (8): Carried midfield workload early, drawing fouls and keeping composure. Led England with 73 touches and multiple defensive actions.
• Morgan Rogers (6): Off-ball role but contributed a vital assist for Gordon’s goal. Defensively handled Messi reasonably well.
• Jude Bellingham (7): Created chances and won fouls but lost influence as game progressed and pitch compressed.
• Anthony Gordon (7): Great runs down the left and scored England’s opener. Replaced at 72 minutes, which shifted momentum.
• Harry Kane (5): Struggled to get involved, limited touches and no significant threat in front of goal.

Substitutes

• Ezri Konsa (2): Defensive substitution that backfired; beaten for the winning goal.
• Dan Burn (3): Minimal impact late.
• Nico O'Reilly (4): No passes attempted after entering late.
• Ivan Toney & Marcus Rashford: Came on too late to influence outcome.

Coach Rating

Thomas Tuchel (2/10): England controlled most of the match but his decision to sit deep with 20+ minutes remaining invited pressure that Argentina exploited. Subbing Gordon for Konsa shifted momentum decisively against England.

Argentina Player Ratings

• Emi Martinez (6): Solid distribution and dealt well with crosses. Little he could do on England’s goal.
• Nahuel Molina (7): Held his own against England’s wide players but was outpaced on the goal. Subbed off late.
• Cristian Romero (9): Defensive rock with 17 defensive actions. Vital in breaking up England’s attacks.
• Lisandro Martinez (6): Reliable on ball but struggled defensively at times and booked.
• Nicolas Tagliafico (8): Physically imposing and disciplined, kept England’s wingers in check.
• Giuliano Simeone (4): Overzealous and undisciplined early, collecting multiple fouls before being substituted.
• Leandro Paredes (7): Strong tackling and midfield presence until subbed for more attack-minded option.
• Alexis Mac Allister (6): Mixed performance with some useful defensive work and near misses going forward.
• Enzo Fernandez (8): Improved as match went on, scored spectacular equalizer to level the match.
• Lionel Messi (8): Sparked life into Argentina with skillful play and two decisive assists, including the cross for Lautaro Martinez’s winner.
• Julian Alvarez (6): Hard-working but lacked influence in the comeback.

Substitutes

• Nico Gonzalez (8): Helped keep England pinned back, unlucky not to score.
• Gonzalo Montiel (7): Provided attacking support late.
• Nicolas Otamendi (8): Perfect passing and possession control after coming on.
• Rodrigo De Paul (8): Stabilized midfield and added energy.
• Lautaro Martinez (8): Super-sub who clinched victory with late headed goal.

Coach Rating

Lionel Scaloni (7/10): Argentina fought back from behind thanks to key substitutions and allowing freedom once trailing. Bringing on Lautaro Martinez late proved decisive, showcasing good judgment under pressure.