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England captain Harry Kane admitted he was devastated after the Three Lions surrendered a second-half lead to lose 2-1 to defending champions Argentina in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking after the tense encounter, Kane described the defeat as another painful setback for a team that had come within touching distance of a historic final.
England appeared destined for their first men’s World Cup final since lifting the trophy in 1966 after Anthony Gordon fired Thomas Tuchel’s side into the lead early in the second half at the Atlanta Stadium.
However, Argentina mounted a late fightback, with Lionel Messi orchestrating the turnaround by providing assists for Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez, whose stoppage-time winner sealed the South Americans’ place in Sunday’s final against Spain.
Reflecting on the defeat, Kane said the outcome was difficult to accept after England’s impressive display for much of the contest.
“Gutted for the boys, gutted for everyone, the team, the staff, the fans,” Kane told the BBC.
“We played a good game, the large majority of it. When we went 1-0 up we seemed to try and hold on, which at this level is not enough.”
The Bayern Munich striker praised his teammates for their commitment throughout the tournament but admitted England were ultimately overwhelmed by relentless Argentine pressure after taking the lead.
“We’ve worked so hard to be here, and the lads have given every last bit of running, blood, sweat, tears,” he said.
Kane acknowledged that Argentina’s attacking quality gradually shifted the momentum of the game in their favour, leaving England unable to withstand sustained pressure.
“After the goal, whether it was them putting more men forward or us not being able to match them man for man, it was just wave after wave,” he explained.
“Lads were putting blocks in but, in the end, it just wasn’t enough.”
The England skipper rejected suggestions that Tuchel’s side deliberately retreated into a defensive approach after Gordon’s opener, insisting the plan remained to extend their advantage.
“When we went ahead the messaging was to go again and get another goal,” Kane said.
“Then once they scored their two goals, it was to try and find something, but we couldn’t quite get the momentum back in the game.”
The defeat extends England’s long wait for major international silverware despite reaching at least the semi-finals in four of their last five major tournaments.
Their only World Cup triumph remains the 1966 success on home soil.
Kane, who finished the tournament with six goals, also declined to speculate on whether he would still be leading England when the next World Cup comes around in four years.
Instead, he pointed to Lionel Messi’s longevity as evidence that age need not define a player’s international future.
“As a person, it’s always just about taking it year by year and how I feel,” Kane said.
“The England national team is my pride and joy. It’s what I love to do more than anything.”
The 32-year-old added that watching the 39-year-old Messi continue to dominate on football’s biggest stage remained an inspiration.
“Obviously, four years is a long way away. But as you see, on the other hand, with Leo there, he’s still performing at the highest level.”
“I never want to put a limit on these things. But for now, it’s just about processing another tough loss with this team.”
England will now face France in the third-place play-off, while Argentina continue their title defence against Spain in Sunday’s World Cup final.
