England once again faced heartbreak at the World Cup after falling to Argentina in the semi-finals on Wednesday night.

Despite taking a late lead, the Three Lions were unable to withstand Argentina’s relentless pressure as the reigning champions mounted a late comeback in Atlanta.

Here’s a look at how each England player fared.

Jordan Pickford – 7: Some may question Pickford’s positioning for Argentina’s equaliser, though Enzo Fernandez’s strike was exceptional, finding its way through a crowded box. Before that, the Everton goalkeeper had preserved England’s advantage with a superb low stop to deny Nico Gonzalez.

Reece James – 6: A steady performance from James, though he didn’t offer much of the attacking spark he’s capable of. Defensively sound and wasn’t dribbled past before being substituted.

John Stones – 6: Selected for his experience and used it well as England tried to hold off Argentina’s attacks. Produced one excellent clearing header under pressure. Might feel he could have closed down Lautaro Martinez more tightly for the winning goal.

Marc Guehi – 6: For much of the match, Guehi looked composed and largely untroubled, but found himself under heavy pressure once England dropped deep in defence.

Djed Spence – 8: England’s standout performer. Offered attacking width with positive runs, twice beating defenders brilliantly with nutmegs and bursts of pace. His recovery tackle to deny Simeone was exceptional. Leaves the tournament with great credit.

Elliot Anderson – 7: Involved right from the start, Anderson was frequently targeted by Argentina’s physical play in the early stages. Tasked with marking Messi, he picked up a yellow card for a firm challenge on the 39-year-old. Consistent and dependable all summer.

Declan Rice – 6: Full of his usual energy, though it’s clear Rice hasn’t quite reached his best form during this tournament. The Arsenal midfielder looks in need of a well-earned rest.

Morgan Rogers – 6: Drifted in and out of the action, yet justified his selection with a superb cross that set up Gordon’s opener. England should have involved him more often.

Jude Bellingham – 6: Kept his composure despite Argentina’s obvious attempts to provoke him. Has been one of England’s standout players across the tournament but struggled to influence this match as much as he would have liked. His impact lessened once England sat back after scoring.

Anthony Gordon – 7: Took his goal with confidence and led England’s press from the front effectively. Linked up well with Djed Spence on several occasions.

Harry Kane – 6: Couldn’t find his rhythm and dropped deep to get involved, which blunted England’s attacking threat. Remarkably, he didn’t register a single touch inside Argentina’s penalty area.

Ezri Konsa – 6: Introduced as England tried to close out the game but found himself helpless against Argentina’s late surge.

Nico O’Reilly – 6: Added some energy in midfield, though England were already pinned back. Another player who deserves a break after a long campaign.

Dan Burn – 6: Brought on to help defend the box but eventually found himself pushed forward as England chased the game. A far cry from his heroics against Mexico earlier in the tournament.

Ivan Toney – N/A: Made his first appearance of the tournament but didn’t have enough time to make an impact.

Marcus Rashford – N/A: A late substitution in a final attempt to find an equaliser. Produced one promising run.

See also – Five of England’s greatest ever World Cup goals