England stood minutes from glory before a stunning late collapse shattered their 60-year dream, leaving the captain to lament a cautious approach that invited Argentinian pressure.
England captain Harry Kane admitted the Three Lions were left "gutted" after their World Cup dream ended in dramatic fashion, as Argentina fought back to secure a 2-1 victory and book their place in the final.
England looked destined for a first World Cup final in 60 years after taking a deserved 1-0 lead and maintaining their advantage until the closing stages. However, the defending champions produced a late turnaround, scoring twice after the 84th minute to snatch victory and leave Gareth Southgate's side devastated.
Image Credit: ReutersSpeaking after the final whistle, an emotional Kane acknowledged the pain felt throughout the England camp after seeing their hopes disappear so close to the finish line.
"We're gutted for the boys, gutted for everyone, the team, the staff, the fans," Kane said.
The Bayern Munich striker believed England had controlled much of the contest but admitted their approach changed after taking the lead, allowing Argentina back into the game.
"We played a good game for the large majority of it," Kane reflected. "When we went 1-0 up, we seemed to try and hold on, which at this level is not enough."
England had frustrated the reigning world champions with a disciplined display for more than 80 minutes, but their inability to maintain control proved costly as Argentina capitalised on late momentum to complete a remarkable comeback.
Image Credit: ReutersKane, who once again led England from the front throughout the tournament, said the manner of the defeat made the disappointment even harder to accept.
"We've worked so hard to be here," he said. "So to fall short is just gutting."
The defeat extends England's wait for a major international trophy and ends another World Cup campaign in heartbreaking fashion.
Having stood only minutes away from reaching the final, the Three Lions instead leave the tournament wondering what might have been, while Argentina march on with the chance to defend their world title against Spain.
