Official lineups for England-Argentina
England: Pickford - O'Reilly, James, Konsa, Guéhi - Rice, Bellingham, Anderson - Kane, Gordon, Saka.
Argentina: Martinez - Tagliafico, Romero, Martinez, Molina - Paredes, De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernandez - Messi, Alvarez.
Tuchel defending his tactics
Tuchel said his team had become "too passive" after taking the lead at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. "We're disappointed, we were so close but we got too passive after we scored and conceded a lot of chances," Tuchel told the BBC.
"We could not turn the ball possession around and then conceded so many crosses, chances and shots," the German coach added. "We were close but couldn't keep the level up after we scored."
Scaloni: 'We are truly unique'
"This group never ceases to surprise me," Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said after the match. "What the players are showing is impressive," he added, while also praising the support from Argentina's fans. "We are truly unique, and this is not arrogance. From the bottom of my heart, these people carried us to victory today."
First ever World Cup final between UEFA and Copa America reigning champions
'With Messi, we will achieve everything'
- Wrestling in Atlanta
- First real opportunity for Albiceleste
- Messi against 4 English players, Anderson sees yellow
- Huge opportunity for Argentinaaaa
- GOAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
- Woowwwwww Spence!! That's worth a goal! What a superb tackle!
- What a chance for Argentinaaaa
- GOOOOOAAAAALLLL
- GOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAALLLLL
And that's a wrap
Argentina booked their place in the final against Spain as they chase back-to-back World Cup titles!
Here's our recap:
GOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAALLLLL
Lautaro Martinez completes the comeback! A superb Messi delivery leaves him with a simple header into an empty net.
9 minutes of added time
GOOOOOAAAAALLLL
What a finish from Enzo Fernandez! Messi finds him on the edge of the box and the Argentina midfielder fires a brilliant strike into the bottom-left corner to make it 1-1.
Tuchel's risky bet
Thomas Tuchel shuts up shop! The England boss bolsters his defence with Dan Burn and Nico O'Reilly coming on for Reece James and Declan Rice.
So close once again for Albiceleste
Nicolas Gonzalez meets Lionel Messi's cross with a header, but sends it narrowly wide of the right post. The flag is up for offside.
What a chance for Argentinaaaa
Alexis Mac Allister nearly levels the game! His header from close range beats Pickford but clips the left post.
Ezri Konsa replaces Anthony Gordon
Triple substitution for Argentina
Lisandro Martinez, Nahuel Molina and Giuliano Simeone make way for Nicolas Otamendi, Gonzalo Montiel and Rodrigo De Paul.
Pickford denies Gonzalez!!!!!!
Time for a cooling break
Pickford denies Gonzalez!!!!!!
What a save from Jordan Pickford! The England goalkeeper dives low to keep out Nicolas Gonzalez's header after a cross from the wing
Interesting corner for Argentina
Nicolas Tagliafico sends a cross into the box, but England clear their lines. Argentina win a corner
And another one.
But nothing comes out of it.
Paredes makes way for Gonzalez
Messi unlucky for now
Leo Messi tries to pick out a teammate with a pass from outside the box, but England's defence reacts quickly to shut down the attack
England have impressed throughout this tournament, reaching the semi-finals after their dramatic extra-time victory over Norway in the quarter-finals. Jude Bellingham's brace proved decisive, cementing their status as genuine contenders. Thomas Tuchel's side have combined attacking prowess with defensive solidity, establishing themselves as one of the competition's elite sides.
Argentina, the defending World Cup champions, have shown the resilience and experience expected of tournament favourites. Their dramatic extra-time triumph over Switzerland secured their passage. The Albiceleste's attacking quality and tactical discipline have carried them through the knockout stages with their sights firmly set on retaining the trophy.
