ATLANTA, GA – JULY 15: Argentina’s No. 22 Lautaro Martinez scores his team’s second goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final match between England and Argentina at Atlanta Stadium on July 15, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Buda Mendez/Getty Images)
Inter captain Lautaro Martinez came on from the bench as Argentina came from behind to beat England 2-1 and advance to the World Cup final against Spain.
Although there were no Serie A players in the starting lineup, there were Italian-born players, such as Giuliano Simeone, who came into the world when his father Diego was playing for Lazio.
Inter captain Lautaro Martinez, Como’s Nico Paz and Juventus owner Nico Gonzalez were on the bench for the reigning champions. England made some changes, starting interlink Jed Spence and Aston Villa wideman Morgan Rodgers.
Marco Di Bello was in charge of VAR, with Maurizio Mariani serving as Italy’s fourth official.
As expected, the match was a rough one with countless fouls and altercations from the opening whistle. The first real chance saw John Stones nod wide at the back post from a free-kick, and Enzo Fernandes narrowly missed the goal.
The first real save came early in the second half when Jordan Pickford parried a Julian Alvarez shot low at his near post.
However, England took the lead when Morgan Rodgers’ low cross from the right wing was met by Anthony Gordon with the first stick of the net.
England take the lead! 🤩
Anthony Gordon puts the Three Lions ahead in the World Cup semi-finals! pic.twitter.com/5fBlRcf1oI
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 15, 2026
Argentina immediately threatened to equalize with Alvarez, but he was thwarted by a superb tackle from former Genoa Interlink full-back Jed Spence, who brought Enzo Fernandes to the ground.
Juventus’ Nico Gonzalez came off the bench and immediately flicked the dangerous ball back to Stones, who then caught a glimpse of a header that Pickford came down to make a great save.
Argentina focused their efforts up front, but unfortunately Alexis Mac Allister took a free header from Rodrigo de Paul’s cross.
Lautaro Martínez was finally introduced in the final 10 minutes, and Enzo Fernandes’ long-range screamer went over the bar.
Argentina’s siege finally paid off with Enzo Fernandes scoring from a short corner and Lionel Messi assisting with a shot from outside the area.
“Enzo Fernandes is just aiming!” 🚀
Argentina equalizes with a midfielder’s rocket. pic.twitter.com/f5kUPkaP0a
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 15, 2026
England’s defensive attitude changed the game too much and cost them additional time. Mac Allister’s shot went wide and Messi was met with a cross that Lautaro Martínez headed home. This was Capocannoniere’s third goal of the 2026 World Cup in Serie A.
Argentina takes the lead! 😱
Under relentless pressure, Alexis Mac Allister hit the post and another Lionel Messi assisted Lautaro Martinez to make it 2-1. pic.twitter.com/kVoNouFgKZ
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 15, 2026
England 1-2 Argentina
Gordon 55 (E), Enzo Fernandes 86 (A), Lautaro Martinez 92 (A)
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