FIFA World Cup 2026: "Gutted for the team," says Harry Kane after England suffer 2-1 loss to Argentina in semifinal
Atlanta, July 16
England captain Harry Kane expressed disappointment, saying that he is "gutted for the team, the staff, the fans" after defending champions Argentina staged a dramatic comeback to defeat the Three Lions 2-1 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal in Atlanta on Wednesday, as per the FIFA website.
The result sent Argentina into the World Cup 2026 final, where they will face Spain on Sunday, July 19 (local time), while England's hopes of reaching their first World Cup final since 1966 came to a heartbreaking end.
After the match, Kane expressed his disappointment, saying the team gave everything but were left heartbroken. He admitted that they became too defensive after taking the lead in the first half and said it was not enough at the highest level.
"I'm gutted for the team, the staff, the fans. We played a good game for the majority of it. When we went 1-0 up, we seemed to just try to hold on, which at this level is not enough. We worked so hard to be here. The lads have given every bit of blood, sweat and tears. To fall short like we did is just gutting," he said while speaking to the broadcasters, according to the FIFA Website.
Kane said England had several positive moments in the tournament and are close to success, but need to find the missing piece to overcome the final hurdle.
"We had a lot of good moments in this tournament. A lot of good games, another semi-final. We talk about knocking on the door. We're close, we just need to find that missing piece in the final stage of the tournament," Harry Kane added.
In the match, England took the lead in the 55th minute through Anthony Gordon, but Argentina responded with sustained pressure. Enzo Fernandez equalised in the 85th minute before Lionel Messi assisted Lautaro Martinez's stoppage-time winner to complete the turnaround.
The match was a tightly contested affair, with both teams creating limited chances in the first half. Argentina's victory ended England's hopes of reaching their first World Cup final since 1966. The Three Lions will face France in the third-place playoff, while Argentina will meet Spain in the final on July 19 (local time).
— ANI
Reader Comments
England fans must be heartbroken! But honestly, they went too defensive after scoring - that's basic mistake even in school football here. Our Indian Super League teams often do the same. Kane's words show class though. Argentina vs Spain final should be epic! 🏆
Gutted for England but they only have themselves to blame. You can't sit back on a 1-0 lead against Messi and Argentina - that's asking for trouble! In India, we call this 'moh maya' (illusion of control). England thought they had it in the bag, but football is a cruel mistress. Spain vs Argentina final will be absolute fire!
As someone who watches Premier League matches at 1:30 AM here in India, this hurts. But credit to Argentina - they showed champion mentality. England's 'missing piece' as Kane said is probably mental toughness. We see this in Indian cricket too - choking in big moments. Hope both teams learn and come back stronger!
England's story is like our Indian football team's - close but no cigar! Kane is a class act though. But I have to say, the defensive approach after scoring was naive. Argentina's never-say-die attitude is something our young Indian players should study. We may not be there yet, but we're getting better. Onwards and upwards! 💪
Pakistan cricket mein bhi aise hi hota hai - 'defend karenge' karke match haath se nikal jata hai! England should have kept attacking. But full respect to
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