An English collapse as vintage as we’ve ever seen it means the Three Lions have been thrust into the often-forgotten third-place playoff rather than a second World Cup final appearance.
England had a flawed Argentina at its mercy. One goal up just before the hour mark, the holders were there to be dispatched. Instead, a combination of tactical cowardice and trauma from “60 years of hurt” allowed Lionel Messi & Co. to do whatever they desired for the best part of 40 minutes, and the Three Lions were eventually made to pay.
