England skipper Harry Kane has admitted that his side did not fully execute Thomas Tuchel’s tactical plan as they suffered a heartbreaking World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina.

The Three Lions looked on course for their first World Cup final appearance since 1966 when Anthony Gordon gave them the lead shortly after half-time. However, England’s decision to sit back and protect the advantage proved costly, with Argentina producing a late turnaround through goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez to seal their place in the final.

Speaking after the match, Kane expressed his disappointment at the result, describing the loss as 'gutting' after what had been a strong campaign. The Bayern Munich striker also conceded that England were simply 'not good enough' on the night.

“Gutted for the boys, gutted for everyone – the team, the staff, the fans,” Kane told BBC Sport. “We played a good game for 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.”

He continued, “Just gutted because we've worked so hard to get here and the lads have given every last bit — running, blood, sweat, tears. To fall short like this is just gutting.”

Kane also revealed that Tuchel’s instructions had been clear — to maintain pressure on Argentina after Gordon’s goal — but that the team failed to carry that out as they retreated deeper into their own half.

“The boys are always ready for any moment in the game,” he explained. “When we went ahead, the message was to go again and score another goal.”

“Then once they scored their two goals, the instruction was to try and find something, but we just couldn’t get the momentum back in the game.”

Despite the defeat, England still have one fixture remaining at this World Cup. They will face France in the third-place play-off on Saturday in Miami.