France, July 16 -- Anthony Gordon gave England the lead in the 55th minute, after a period of Argentine domination at the start of the second half.

Argentina, who overturned a two-goal deficit against Egypt during the last 16, simply reset and plugged away. England went instinctive and sat back.

That ploy worked against Mexico in the last 16 at the Estadio Azteca when they were down to 10 men. Here, on the cusp of their first World Cup final since 1966, with 11 men, the option was questionable - especially with Lionel Messi on form for Argentina. In for the kill

England's first warning came in the 69th minute. Messi sent over a cross from the right wing and Nico Gonzalez headed the ball goalwards but the England goalkeeper Jordan Pickf...