England's late collapse deepens historic World Cup choke

England's World Cup semi‑final against Argentina collapsed on Wednesday evening when a late surge erased their 1‑0 lead in the 85th minute, leaving them to lose 2‑1 before extra time. The defeat ended any chance of reaching the final and denied the Three Lions a second World Cup star. The decisive blow came after the 85th minute as Argentina scored two goals, overturning England's advantage and sealing a 2‑1 defeat before extra time could begin. The late goals left the Three Lions stunned and extinguished any hope of progressing to the final. The collapse unfolded on Wednesday evening, ending the match in dramatic fashion. England had entered the semi‑final with a 1‑0 lead in the 85th minute, having held off Argentina for most of the game. Their control of the match had raised expectations of a historic victory.

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The defeat adds to a curse that has haunted England since their sole major tournament triumph on home soil in 1966. Since that victory, the Three Lions have never reached a World Cup final, each tournament ending before the ultimate match. Euro 1996 saw England eliminated in the semi‑finals on home ground, despite reaching that stage. At the 2018 World Cup, England opened scoring early in the semi‑final but were still eliminated. Euro 2021 ended in a final defeat at home after England led from the second minute, and Euro 2024 concluded with a final loss after conceding in the 87th minute. The loss denies the Three Lions a second World Cup star and ends any chance of reaching the final this tournament. It also marks a stark reversal from the optimism that had built after the late goal. The juxtaposition of early dominance and eventual defeat highlights a persistent pattern that England must break to fulfill its potential. Only by addressing this recurring vulnerability can the Three Lions hope to add another star to their crest.