The English press agreed that their country’s team was left “heartbroken” after the defeat against Argentina, which they considered deserved, in a dramatic match decided in the final minutes in favor of the Albiceleste.
The fact that England maintained the lead for half an hour made the fall even more bitter, when they were already imagining themselves playing in the final against Spain. However, analysts such as the BBC recognized that there was nothing left but to “surrender with admiration” in the face of the Argentine reaction.
“Martínez breaks England’s hearts in injury time”headlined the BBC, while Guardian summed up: “England’s hearts broken after two late goals from Argentina.”
For its part, The Times He pointed to Lionel Messi’s leadership as a decisive factor: “England expelled by a magical Messi”, and evoked the memory of the historic 1986 duel: “Once again, his football – not his hand – appeared to bless his team.”
The sensationalist The Sun He highlighted: “Another sensational Messi”, and criticized coach Thomas Tuchel for “his conservative changes,” while the Daily Mail He described the scene on the field, with English players crying after the final whistle and David Beckham visibly affected in the stands.
From celebration to silence
The atmosphere in England had been euphoric in the previous days, with flags, t-shirts and a wave of enthusiasm that evoked the 1966 title. In the Boxpark of Wembley, thousands of fans followed the match on giant screens. Anthony Gordon’s goal sparked the celebration, with chants and beer in the air.
However, Argentine dominance in the final stretch dampened the atmosphere. The Albiceleste’s consecutive goals transformed the party into silence.
Many fans left the venue before the end, crestfallen, reflecting the emotional blow of a defeat that left England, once again, far from the World Cup dream.