Rooney says England ‘didn’t know what to do’ after going ahead against Argentina | OneFootball

Three Lions legends Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney both admitted Argentina were worthy winners after England’s World Cup dream ended with a 2-1 semi-final defeat in Atlanta.

Thomas Tuchel‘s side had taken the lead but were unable to hold on as the defending champions came from behind to book their place in Sunday’s final.

England struggled to regain control once Argentina levelled and finished the match having managed just five shots – their lowest total in any game at the 2026 World Cup.

Former England captain Shearer felt Argentina’s response after falling behind was the decisive factor.

“I think the better team won,” he said. “You have got to be open and honest about it.

“Their reaction was brilliant, they hit the post a few times and England got lucky. How they didn’t panic, how they stuck to their game plan, how they believed in what they were doing, and they did it.

“The substitutions worked for them and you have to respect the way they came back into the game. They deserve to be in the final on Sunday as much as it hurts to say that.”

England had looked well placed after taking the lead through Anthony Gordon but tried to defend their lead and found themselves pushed deeper into their own half as Argentina dominated possession and chances.

Rooney believes England’s inability to manage the game after going in front ultimately proved costly.

“We got ourselves in such a good position, and then we didn’t know what to do,” he said.

“We sat back, we allowed them to come onto us. They were creating a number of chances, then we cracked. Really disappointed.”

The defeat ends England’s hopes of reaching a first World Cup final since 1966 and leaves Tuchel’s side to reflect on a campaign that had promised much after victories over Mexico and Norway in the knockout stages.

Argentina, meanwhile, remain on course to retain the trophy they won four years ago and will contest Sunday’s World Cup final against Spain.