James McClean couldn't resist trolling England after World Cup exit | OneFootball

Irishman James McClean made sure to bask in England's World Cup exit on Wednesday

England's bid to reach just their second World Cup final came up short on Wednesday night, and football fans from rival countries have revelled in their defeat.

Thomas Tuchel's side took the lead against Argentina through Anthony Gordon, but offered little going forward afterwards, as they looked to sit on that slender one-goal margin.

Argentina, who have won in dramatic fashion in each of their knockout games thus far against DR Congo, Egypt and Switzerland, once again left it late to turn things around, scoring twice in the final five minutes plus stoppages to progress to their third World Cup final in the last four tournaments.

It continues the 60 years of hurt for England fans, who have made the semi-finals in four of the last five major tournaments now, but haven't lifted the trophy in any of them. Many felt that this year could have been the year for that to end.

James McClean reacts to England's World Cup elimination against Argentina

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Proud Irishman James McClean spent close to 15 years playing in England before his return to Derry City back in January, playing in the Premier League for the likes of Sunderland and West Brom and in the Championship for Wigan Athletic, Stoke City and Wrexham.

The 37-year-old wasn't always the most popular player amongst away supporters due to his mastery of the dark arts and clear ability to get under the skin of opponents and fans.

If you had McClean on your team, you loved him, but it was very much the opposite if you didn't. Now, regardless of which team you support domestically, England fans are quite frustrated with how vocal he has been online in the wake of Argentina's victory over the Three Lions on Wednesday night.

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The wideman posted a variety of Instagram stories showing his support for Argentina and poking fun at England's defeat, including the one above.

"Throwback, me scoring at the MetLife Stadium, host of the World Cup final on Sunday...where England won't be playing😂," he said. "Funnily enough, wearing signature Messi f50s."

McClean only scored 11 times in 103 international caps for the Republic of Ireland. Still, his first came in the States in a 5-1 defeat against Portugal at the temporarily known New York New Jersey Stadium, where Argentina will meet Spain in the World Cup final.

The 37-year-old will be able to support the Boys in Green at a major tournament for the first time in 12 years in 2028, when they co-host the European Championships.

England have to regroup ahead of home Euros in 2028

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England's failures at a major tournament have once again spurred the mocking reaction of rival nations, given how boisterous fans of the Three Lions can be in the lead-up to and during each tournament, no matter how tongue-in-cheek renditions of "it's coming home" may be.

Ultimately, Thomas Tuchel's side haven't done enough to shut up those doubters once again this summer, coming oh-so-close to the final once more, as they did under Gareth Southgate eight years ago.

It won't be long until the focus is on the home European Championships in a couple of years, where England will be looking to go one better than they have in the last two renditions of the tournament and win it.

Some feel that the Three Lions won't have a greater chance to do so, given the circumstances surrounding the location and the squad that they'll have. If anything, that could make the jeers from rivals even louder if, once again, they fall short.