England’s World Cup came to a heartbreaking end on Wednesday night, beaten 2-1 by Argentina in the semi-final, with three City players closely involved in Atlanta.
Marc Guehi started at the heart of England’s defence, part of a back line that held firm for long periods before Argentina’s late and unrelenting surge. The centre-back has been one of Thomas Tuchel’s most consistent performers throughout the tournament, and last night was no different, standing firm as Julian Alvarez and Lionel Messi probed for openings all night.
Elliot Anderson also started, operating in midfield as England looked (and failed) to control possession against the reigning champions, and was on the receiving end of some iffy treatment early on, notably from the volatile Enzo Fernanndez.
Anderson played the full 111 minutes but was unable to stem the Argentinian tide that began almost as soon as Anthony Gordon had put England ahead.
Nico O’Reilly came off the bench in the 82nd minute, replacing Reece James as England pushed to take the game to extra time. It proved a difficult cameo to make an impact in, arriving after Argentina had found their rhythm, and he was on the pitch as Lautaro Martinez’s winner turned the tie in the visitors’ favour.
James Trafford was an unused substitute, watching on from the bench as Jordan Pickford started in goal throughout England’s run to the last four. The City keeper has had to be content with a place in the squad rather than involvement on the pitch, but the experience of a World Cup semi-final at this stage of his career will still be invaluable.
It’s a familiar story for England, undone late having led for the best part of half an hour, and a difficult night for all three of City’s representatives to take.
