England‘s World Cup campaign ended in the semi-finals following a 2-1 defeat to Argentina in a match that has sparked diplomatic and disciplinary controversy.
Alexis Mac Allister and Lautaro Martínez scored the goals that sent the world champions through to the final, leaving Thomas Tuchel’s side to reflect on another tournament exit at the penultimate stage. The defeat extends England’s wait for a first men’s World Cup triumph since 1966.
Tuchel dismisses ‘curse’ talk
Tuchel dismissed suggestions of an “English curse” after the match. “I don’t believe so much in an English thing and a curse or whatever,” he said. “It’s repeating itself in different moments. It’s different coaches, different players, different situations.”
The match saw Argentina employ physical tactics during the opening half-hour, with several England players subjected to heavy challenges. The South American side eventually found their breakthrough through Mac Allister and Martínez, both of whom were part of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup winning squad alongside Enzo Fernández.
Falklands banner sparks political row
The result was not the only talking point from the encounter. After the final whistle, Argentina players displayed a banner asserting their nation’s claims to the Falkland Islands, a British overseas territory known as the Malvinas in Argentina. Lisandro Martínez was among those involved in waving the banner.
The incident has drawn a political response in the UK. A spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer backed calls for FIFA to investigate the matter. “I would just say, the World Cup might not be ours, but the Falkland Islands definitely are. Our position is unchanged,” the spokesperson said. “Self-determination rests with the islanders, and our commitment to the Falklands will never waver.”
The spokesperson added that “politics should stay out of football” but noted that “potential action is a matter for Fifa.”
Martínez defended the gesture, stating: “I can picture a Malvinas veteran seeing that and weeping. I don’t know if there might be sanctions or not, but what they did was display that banner and assert that the islands belong to us.”
What next for both sides
England now exit the tournament despite having navigated a path that included victory over DR Congo. Tuchel’s team were unable to overcome the defending champions, who advance to face Spain in the final.