Thomas Tuchel's England threw away a late lead to a Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina on Wednesday, losing 2-1 in Atlanta and extending the nation's World Cup wait to 60 years. It was the third time this century that England have scored first in a World Cup semi-final only to lose – the same fate befell them against Croatia in 2018.
The defeat means England have now lost all three semi-finals they have played since winning the tournament in 1966 – in 1990, 2018 and 2026. No permanent manager since Alf Ramsey has been able to emulate his achievement, with 15 men trying and failing. Tuchel joined that list alongside Ron Greenwood, Bobby Robson, Glenn Hoddle, Sven-Goran Eriksson, Fabio Capello and Gareth Southgate.
“England lost 2-1 to Argentina in the World Cup semi-final, extending their 60-year wait for a title.”
The 60-year wait began when Bobby Moore lifted the Jules Rimet trophy at Wembley on 30 July 1966. Since then, 454 players have made their England debut, from John Hollins in May 1967 to Liverpool teenager Rio Ngumoha in June 2026. At World Cups, 161 different players have represented England since 1970.
Only seven men have captained England at a World Cup since 1966: Moore, Mick Mills, Bryan Robson, Alan Shearer, David Beckham, Steven Gerrard and Harry Kane. Kane's missed penalty against France in 2022 was one of many painful exits, including Diego Maradona's "Hand of God" in 1986, Paul Gascoigne's tears in 1990, David Beckham's red card in 1998, and Frank Lampard's disallowed goal in 2010.
Germany and Argentina have each eliminated England from the World Cup three times since 1966. The latest defeat sparked clashes between fans in Atlanta and seven arrests in London, according to police.
The wait goes on. Sixty years, 15 managers, 454 debutants – and still no second star on the shirt.