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ENGLAND’S DREAMS WERE dashed last night when they were beaten by Argentina 2-1, ending their World Cup journey.
Thomas Tuchel’s side had been optimistic that they could beat the defending champions, despite their concern that captain Lionel Messi could get in the way.
The joyous mood after Anthony Gordon put the Three Lions ahead 10 minutes into the second half – after a goalless, cagey first 45 minutes – came crashing down as Enzo Fernandez equalised 85 minutes in.
It soured even further when Lautaro Martinez put Argentina in the lead in the 92nd minute.
The England team will be relieved to read that the Star is “still proud” of them. The paper did, however, go with the headline “Kaned by Messi”. Ouch!
The loss has left English media clutching at straws, trying to disparage their defeaters.
The Telegraph says the “hurt goes on for England”. It also reports on the banner held up by Argentine players, which said in Spanish: “The Malvinas are Argentinian.”
The Falkland Islands, or Islas Malvinas, are an overseas territory of the United Kingdom, which Argentina also lays claim to.
Before the match, Argentina’s vice president Victoria Villarruel had called their opponents “usurping pirates”. She said the game meant “something more” and called for “putting the brakes on the invaders”.
Her comments, combined with the banner held by Argentine players, have riled up England fans.
One commentator on Sky News said he expected “real anger” from politicians, and maybe even sanctions on the players involved.
“Fines, visas, I don’t know.”
https://t.co/kn8HhMnUSX pic.twitter.com/t7uenVXny3
— KM2 archive (@KillianM2) July 15, 2026
The Telegraph also published a listicle of Argentina’s alleged “dirty tricks”.
🇦🇷 All 31 dirty tricks Argentina unleashed on England:
— Telegraph Football (@TeleFootball) July 15, 2026
1' Mac Allister leaves one on Anderson
2' Paredes pushes Bellingham, leading to a confrontation
3' Enzo comes in late on Anderson pic.twitter.com/NpQsfiYS58
The Times’s front page splash is a poignant photo of Lionel Messi hugging Harry Kane.
The Sun leads with “Wonderbawl”, showing Kane with his head in his hands.
“It’s 60 years of hurt as brave lions sunk by late argie goals,” the paper says.
Football’s not coming home, but it’s nice to see England isn’t taking it too badly.
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