Archive · 24 Sep 2026
Harry Kane Reflects on England’s World Cup Semifinal Loss
England played Argentina in the World Cup semifinal and lost 2–1.
England scored first through Anthony Gordon.
Argentina scored twice late in the match.
Enzo Fernández equalized in the 85th minute.
Lautaro Martínez scored the winning goal during added time.
England coach Thomas Tuchel made several substitutions before Argentina’s comeback.
Some people criticized those changes.
Harry Kane said the team did not play in the way it had planned.
He also said England had not reached its full potential in other World Cup matches.
England lost 2–1 to Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal.
England took the lead through Anthony Gordon in the 55th minute.
Argentina equalized through Enzo Fernández in the 85th minute and won through Lautaro Martínez in injury time.
Harry Kane said the performance did not reflect England’s team identity or intended style.
Coach Thomas Tuchel was criticized for his substitutions but continues to stand by them.
- Who
- England, captained by Harry Kane, played Argentina, coached by Thomas Tuchel.
- What
- England lost 2–1 to Argentina in the FIFA World Cup semifinal.
- When
- The match took place earlier in 2026; Kane discussed it before England’s Nations League match on Saturday, September 26.
- Where
- The upcoming Nations League match is scheduled for Wembley Stadium in London.
- Why
- Argentina scored twice late after England made several substitutions, while Kane said England had moved away from its intended style.
Kane’s Assessment
Tuchel’s Position
Team identity
Kane’s Assessment
Harry Kane said England did not play as the team it wanted to be and had gone against its own beliefs.
Tuchel’s Position
Thomas Tuchel’s position, as described in the article, is that he stands by the substitutions made during the match.
Impact of substitutions
Kane’s Assessment
The tactical changes were criticized after Argentina scored twice late in the game.
Tuchel’s Position
Tuchel continues to defend the changes despite the timing of Argentina’s comeback.
Overall World Cup performance
Kane’s Assessment
Kane said England also failed to reach its potential in other matches, not only against Argentina.
Tuchel’s Position
The article does not provide a separate detailed response from Tuchel on England’s wider tournament performance.
- Competition
- 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal
- Result
- Argentina defeated England 2–1
- England goal
- Anthony Gordon scored in the 55th minute
- Argentina goals
- Enzo Fernández scored in the 85th minute; Lautaro Martínez scored in injury time
- Substitution criticism
- Thomas Tuchel replaced Anthony Gordon with Ezri Konsa in the 72nd minute and made two further changes 10 minutes later
- Upcoming match
- England is scheduled to play Spain in the Nations League at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, September 26