Writing's On The Wonderwall

It's an all too familiar script. England take the lead; start to panic; play defensive; and end up throwing it away. This time, it was old enemy Argentina who inflicted the latest heart-break in England's World Cup journey now lasting 60 years.

After a slugfest of a first half that looked more like a WWE bout, England looked to be heading into dreamland as Anthony Gordon finished brilliantly from an astute Morgan Rogers cross. England had Argentina on the ropes; but then what happens? Thomas Tuchel; supposedly the tactical mastermind for England; makes a few crazy changes that alters the complexion of the match.

He brings on defenders Dan Burn & Nico O'Reilly; huge defenders when the Argentine attackers are rather small? Worse still; it signals to the whole team that they must now start defending; and that is exactly what Argentina wants. Soon enough; the Argentines start dominating; and as is their style; they breakthrough in the final minutes via Enzo Fernandez's stunner and Lautaro Martinez's header; both from Lionel Messi assists as England's tiring defence finally fell apart.