Argentina rally late to sink England, reach second straight final

Lionel Scaloni's defending champions scored twice in the closing minutes to defeat England 2-1 at Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday and book a place in a second successive World Cup final. The Albiceleste trailed for half an hour before Enzo Fernandez and substitute Lautaro Martinez struck in the 85th minute and second-half stoppage time respectively to set up a showdown with Spain.

The defending champions started slowly in a physical first half that saw few clear chances, with England's John Stones heading narrowly wide and Argentina's Enzo Fernandez testing Jordan Pickford from distance. Djed Spence provided England's main attacking threat down the flank, but neither side could find a breakthrough before the interval.

Three Lions strike first

England broke the deadlock ten minutes into the second period when Declan Rice released Morgan Rogers down the right wing. Rogers delivered a low cross that Anthony Gordon converted with a near-post finish, giving the Three Lions a lead they would hold for the next half-hour.

Gareth Southgate's men appeared poised to reach their second World Cup final in three tournaments, having previously fallen to Croatia in the 2018 semi-finals in Russia. The Manchester City midfielder Rice played a key role in the build-up, while Gordon's strike marked a rare moment of precision in a match otherwise characterized by midfield battles and tactical caution.

Martinez header seals comeback

Argentina found their equalizer five minutes from time when Fernandez collected a short corner, took a touch to steady himself and drilled a low shot through a crowded penalty area past Pickford. With extra time looming, Lionel Messi won possession and delivered a superb cross from the right flank that Martinez met with a close-range header in the 92nd minute to send the Argentine bench into delirium.

The victory extends Argentina's reign as world champions and sets up a final against Spain on Sunday. England will face France in the third-place play-off on Saturday at the same venue.