England (4-2-3-1)

Jordan Pickford Had little chance with either goal. Pulled off a sensational save from González but that will be forgotten now. 7

Reece James Dominated his flank and fully justified being brought back into the side after injury. 7

John Stones A rock at the back until the last 10 minutes when his lack of game time caught up with him. 7

Marc Guéhi Mr Reliable in England’s defence didn’t put a foot wrong again and was unlucky to be on losing side. 7

Djed Spence Has won over the doubters and then some. A Bobby Moore-esque tackle to stop Simeone. 8

Elliot Anderson Another all-action display. Booked for taking out Messi brutally but belongs at this level. 7

Declan Rice Looked far more his usual self. But had to be taken off as England tried to protect their lead. 6

Morgan Rogers Preferred in unusual role on right flank and showed why, by setting up Gordon brilliantly. 7

Jude Bellingham Fired up from the start, came close to losing his rag in injury time – couldn’t save England this time. 6

Anthony Gordon Has come of age at this tournament. Will never forget scoring in a World Cup semi-final. 8

Harry Kane It was from his long pass that England scored. But he will be hugely disappointed not to have had more of an impact. 5

Substitutes: Ezri Konsa (for Gordon, 72) Slotted into back three but at fault for Martínez’s equaliser, 5. Dan Burn (for James 83) Third time unlucky after his cameos against Mexico and Norway, 5. Nico O’Reilly (for Rice 83) Could not prevent Messi’s cross for the winning goal, 6. Ivan Toney (for Stones 90+3) Far too late to make an impact, 6. Marcus Rashford (for Spence 90+3) Tried his best to drag England level, 6.

Argentina (4-3-3)

Emiliano Martínez No chance with Gordon’s goal but was largely a spectator for the rest of the match. 6

Nahuel Molina Struggled to contain Spence’s and Gordon’s strong combination play down England’s left flank. 6

Cristian Romero Squared up to Bellingham inside the first minute and showed some nifty footwork to get himself out of trouble. 8

Lisandro Martínez Walked the tightrope after being booked in the first half so was no surprise to see him taken off. 7

Nicolas Tagliafico Had his hands full with Rogers and it was from his error that Gordon was able to score. 5

Leandro Paredes Early reducer on Anderson set the tone, but he could not exert his usual dominance in midfield. 5

Enzo Fernández Inches away from an amazing goal in the first half before breaking England’s hearts with a stunning equaliser. 8

Alexis Mac Allister So unlucky not to score after hitting both posts. The Liverpool man was back to his best. 8

Giuliani Simeone Like father, like son. Always in the thick of things but couldn’t take his chance when clean through. 6

Lionel Messi Some imperious touches and mazy runs that belied his age. Deserves to sign off on the biggest stage of them all. 9

Julián Álvarez Caused huge problems for England down Argentina’s left flank all afternoon. Messi’s heir in waiting. 8

Substitutes: Nicolás González (for Paredes 65) Denied equaliser by Pickford but added impetus to Argentina’s attacks, 8. Nicolás Otamendi (for L Martínez 72) Incredible that he is still playing at 38, 7. Gonzalo Montiel (for Molina 72) A massive upgrade on Molina as Argentina chased an equaliser, 7. Rodrigo De Paul (for Simeone 72) Surprise omission but made up for it by helping to change the game, 8. Lautaro Martínez (for Tagliafico 81) Argentina’s hero with a brilliant header, 8.