Three key moments as Argentina come from behind to beat England in dramatic fashion

The key moments as Argentina come from behind to beat England and book a second consecutive World Cup final

Argentina's Lautaro Martinez scores the winner with a thumping header

1 An England breakthrough and a remarkable goal saving tackle 

After a first half without a single shot on target from either team, the breakthrough after 55 minutes gave England genuine hope.

It came from an excellent low cross by Morgan Rogers - the man surprisingly chosen ahead of Bukayo Saka by Thomas Tuchel - and an excellent finish from Anthony Gordon, only England’s fourth goal scorer of this tournament.

It was then followed by tackle that meant as much as a goal. Or so it seemed. Talk about an unlikely hero.

When Djed Spence was first named in the England World Cup squad and touted as a first choice left back there were groans from most England fans and raised eyebrows from even the most positive. Even Tottenham supporters weren’t convinced.

But here against Argentina, on the very biggest stage, he was immense.

With England having just gone ahead, Argentina surged on the attack.

Anthony Gordon opened the scoring after a great cross from Morgan Rogers found the Barcelona winger in the box. Pic: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire

Giuliano Simeone was free, Spence had lost him - but somehow got back with an incredible tackle.

He celebrated it like a goal and commentators called it the tackle of the tournament.

2 Thomas Tuchel’s defensive sub 

With England ahead Tuchel had a conundrum. Stick or twist. He chose the former and brought on defenders. Dan Burn, Nico O’Reilly, Ezra Konsa.

It proved to be the wrong call as Argentina surged forward and England dropped deeper and deeper. Anthony Gordon, the goalscorer, departed as early as 72 minutes. It was too soon.

3 Argentina’s pummelling of England at the death 

Argentina’s never say die attitude has made them champions; and the finish to this game proved it. Only five minutes to go and with Argentina driving constantly forward, it felt like only Pickford was keeping England in it.

But not even he could keep out Enzo Martinez’s howitzer, after Messi had found him from a clever short corner routine.

With England exhausted and defensive substations made, it made the next play even more predictable. So when Lautaro Martinez headed home deep into injury time - extending Messi’s career and setting up a final against Spain - it felt like the best team had won.