He stood alone in the Atlanta Stadium tunnel, the noise of Argentina's celebration a distant roar. England captain Harry Kane, still processing a 2-1 semi-final defeat that ended his country's World Cup dream, described himself as "empty" and "gutted". "We go again," he said, in a brief statement that carried the weight of another near-miss.
The loss means England will face France in Saturday's third-place play-off in Miami at 10pm, while Sunday's final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey pits Spain against Argentina at 8pm. The final will be officiated by Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic, who was seen in tears of joy after learning he would take charge. Vincic, who previously oversaw the 2022 Europa League final and 2024 Champions League final, will be assisted by Tomaz Klancnik and Andraz Kovacic, with Adham Makhadmeh as fourth official.
“Harry Kane says he is 'empty' and 'gutted' after England's 2-1 World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina.”
US President Donald Trump is confirmed to attend Sunday's final, though he has not been spotted at any previous matches. It is traditional for the host nation's leader to present the trophy.
Back home, the fallout from England's exit continued. Megan Pickford, wife of goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, shared an emotional statement on Instagram after the defeat. In a clip on her stories, she was seen packing away items, a silent marker of the tournament's abrupt end.
Kane's words offered little comfort to a nation accustomed to heartbreak. "We go again" – but for how long? The questions over manager Thomas Tuchel's future, and whether this squad has the missing pieces, remain unanswered.
