Why England are not out of World Cup despite semi-final loss to Argentina | OneFootball

England can still end their World Cup journey on a positive note

England’s World Cup journey is NOT yet over despite failure to reach the final.

The Three Lions were beaten 2-1 by Argentina in Wednesday night’s World Cup semi-final, suffering late heartbreak with Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez scoring inside the last ten minutes.

Anthony Gordon’s goal ten minutes into the second half did have England supporters dreaming of a first World Cup final in 60 years, though Thomas Tuchel’s defensive substitutions ultimately backfired.

As a result, it will be Argentina contesting the World Cup 2026 final against Spain after they beat pre-tournament favourites France in Dallas on Tuesday night.

For England, however, it’s not the end of the road in North America just yet as Tuchel’s side still have one match remaining before heading back to the UK.

As is the tradition at World Cups, the two losing semi-finalists meet in the third-place play-off a day before the biggest match in football takes place.

This year is no different as the bronze medal match will take place at the Miami Stadium on Saturday night between England and France.

France’s World Cup dream was ended by Spain

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Les Bleus have three times contested the third-place play-off previously, winning twice - the most recent being 40 years ago in Mexico 1986 as they beat Belgium on penalties - before Argentina were crowned world champions for a second time.

England, meanwhile, were last involved in a World Cup third-place play-off eight years ago in Russia, losing 2-0 to Belgium in Saint Petersburg.

They were also beaten by the host nation in Italy 1990, meaning they have never won this particular fixture, perhaps providing extra motivation to get over the semi-final loss and end the tournament on a positive note.