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

The 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal between England and Argentina delivered an intense finish as Lionel Messi orchestrated a stunning comeback. With just five minutes left, Argentina appeared headed out after England’s Anthony Gordon netted an early second-half goal. But England's defense collapsed, allowing Messi to assist two crucial goals, pushing Argentina into the final with a 2-1 victory.

Messi provided assists for Enzo Fernandez, who struck a long-range shot, and Lautaro Martinez, who came off the bench to score the winner. England, managed by Thomas Tuchel, retreated too soon and invited relentless pressure, which Messi exploited to full effect.

This detailed player rating covers individual performances from start to finish.

Match Details

Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GAReferee: Ismael Elfath (USA)

Starting Lineups

• England (4-2-3-1): Jordan Pickford (GK), Reece James, John Stones, Marc Guehi, Djed Spence, Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Morgan Rogers, Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane
• Argentina (4-4-2): Emi Martinez (GK), Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico, Giuliano Simeone, Alexis Mac Allister, Leandro Paredes, Enzo Fernandez, Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez

England Player Ratings (Out of 10)

• Jordan Pickford (6): Solid distribution and key saves including an outstanding stop on Nico Gonzalez's header, but should have done better for the winner.
• Reece James (6): Started well with precise passing but stopped pushing forward after England’s goal, substituted in 82nd minute.
• John Stones (6): Limited defensive work but had a chance in attack; tired late and replaced at the end.
• Marc Guehi (7): Nearly flawless passing and strong defensively, though influence waned as England retreated.
• Djed Spence (9): Bright throughout with tricky dribbles and crucial defensive tackles; standout left-back performance.
• Declan Rice (5): Quiet first half with limited impact, though contributed crucially to England’s opening goal.
• Elliot Anderson (8): Midfield dynamo drawing fouls and leading defensive efforts before instructions to sit back.
• Morgan Rogers (6): Effective off-ball role with a vital assist, but faded as the match progressed.
• Jude Bellingham (7): Energetic and combative, winning free kicks and defending Messi well before England fell back.
• Anthony Gordon (7): Influential early runs and scored England’s goal, but his substitution marked a turning point against England.
• Harry Kane (5): Struggled to influence play or create chances, effectively neutralized by Argentina’s defense.

Substitutes

• Ezri Konsa (2): Came on for Gordon, but defensive shell failed and he was beaten for the winner.
• Dan Burn (3): Late substitution with minimal impact.
• Nico O’Reilly (4): No passes attempted during brief appearance.
• Ivan Toney & Marcus Rashford: Too little time to affect outcome.

Coach Thomas Tuchel (2)

Tuchel’s early decisions put England in a strong position, especially with the lineup and tactics paying off initially. However, his choice to retreat and remove attacking threat with over 20 minutes remaining allowed Argentina to dominate possession and stage their comeback. The substitution of Gordon for Konsa symbolized this shift, ultimately costing England a spot in the final.

Argentina Player Ratings (Out of 10)

• Emi Martinez (6): Efficient with crosses and distribution, limited saves but no fault on England’s goal.
• Nahuel Molina (7): Defensively challenged but effective in limiting England's wide threats; replaced late to inject energy.
• Cristian Romero (9): Defensive rock with 17 defensive actions, excellent presence and leadership at the back.
• Lisandro Martinez (6): Steady on ball but prone to lapses, booked for fouling and substituted to avoid a red card.
• Nicolas Tagliafico (8): Strong physicality, kept England’s wingers quiet and won all ground duels.
• Giuliano Simeone (4): Over-eager and undisciplined early, committed several fouls and was subbed off.
• Leandro Paredes (7): Physical midfield enforcer, disrupted England’s play effectively before being replaced.
• Alexis Mac Allister (6): Roamed freely but lacked consistent impact, narrowly missed scoring twice.
• Enzo Fernandez (8): Mixed performance but scored a stunning equalizer from outside the box, pivotal in the comeback.
• Lionel Messi (8): Initially quiet, then masterful—drew fouls, created chances, and assisted both goals with precision.
• Julian Alvarez (6): Active in build-up with high pass accuracy, though limited in finishing and direct influence on the turnaround.

Substitutes

• Nico Gonzalez (8): Provided width and defensive work after coming on; missed a big chance but helped maintain pressure.
• Gonzalo Montiel (7): Supported attack and pinned back England defenders late in the game.
• Nicolas Otamendi (8): Perfect passing and ball retention, steadied defense after entering.
• Rodrigo De Paul (8): Midfield reinforcement that brought stability and energy upon substitution.
• Lautaro Martinez (8): Impact substitute who scored the winning goal with a clinical header from Messi's cross in stoppage time.

Coach Lionel Scaloni (7)

Argentina lagged behind for much of the contest, relying on physicality and fouls rather than fluent football. Once trailing, Scaloni loosened the reins and introduced attacking changes that shifted momentum. While Tuchel’s defensive retreat played a major role, Scaloni’s substitutions and tactical adjustments were decisive in securing the late victory.