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According to a report by the Evening Standard on Thursday, July 16, 2026, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has explained how his team turned the tide against England in their FIFA World Cup semi-final, stating that the reigning champions recognised a lack of belief from the Three Lions after they went in front.
England were on the verge of ending their long wait for a World Cup final appearance after Anthony Gordon gave them the lead early in the second half. However, Argentina responded with determination as Enzo Fernandez equalised before substitute Lautaro Martinez headed in a dramatic stoppage-time winner to secure a 2-1 victory and send the defending champions into the final.
Scaloni admitted his players faced a difficult challenge against England but said they remained confident throughout the match. He explained that once Argentina sensed England had become more hesitant after taking the lead, they increased the tempo of their play and believed the match could still be won.
The Argentine coach noted that England’s defensive approach allowed his side to control more of the ball and apply sustained pressure in the closing stages. Argentina continued to push forward and were eventually rewarded when Martinez rose to score the decisive goal deep into added time.
Scaloni also praised the impact of his substitutes, with Lautaro Martinez delivering the winning goal while Rodrigo De Paul and Gonzalo Montiel helped strengthen Argentina’s performance as the match entered its final moments.
The result sends Argentina into a second straight FIFA World Cup final, where they will meet Spain in an attempt to successfully defend their title and claim a fourth World Cup championship.
England must now regroup ahead of the third-place play-off against France after another semi-final disappointment brought an end to their hopes of reaching the final.
