England have now lost in the semi-finals in two of the past three men’s World Cups, and were beaten in the European Championship finals in 2021 and 2024.
“There’s not much to say – everyone is gutted,” said England captain Harry Kane.
“When you’re so close, 10 minutes away, and it slips out of your hands like that, obviously the lads are devastated.
“We did so well for 60 minutes. We scored and deserved to be ahead then we struggled to keep the ball, struggled to put pressure on the ball and it allowed them to create more momentum and chances in the final third.
“We’re going to have to find out how we can improve in those situations. It’s been probably the missing piece now for probably the past four or five tournaments.”
Bayern Munich striker Kane has scored six goals at this World Cup and could still win the Golden Boot – though both Lionel Messi, who set up both Argentina goals, and France’s Kylian Mbappe are on eight.
Kane, who turns 33 later this month, refused to be drawn on whether he would still be playing by the time of the 2030 World Cup.
“It’s too early to talk about that – for me it’s about taking it year by year,” said Kane.
“The national team is my pride and joy, it’s what I love to do most.
“Four years is a long way away and I’m 33 in the summer, but as you see with Leo [Messi], he’s still performing at the highest level [at 39]. For now it’s about processing another tough loss.”
Like Kane, Jude Bellingham has also scored six goals for England at this tournament.
“The lads did everything they could over the course of the tournament – I can’t fault the effort and the fight,” said the Real Madrid midfielder.
“That’s the life of a footballer at this level. The more beautiful the journey, the more heartbreaking the end is. I’m really proud of all my team-mates – they put in a magnificent shift over the last few weeks.
“I wanted to be part of an England squad that finally did it and finally got it over the line. To be here telling the fans the same things they have heard for years and years, it’s really gutting.”
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