Enzo Fernandez scored a stunning late equaliser to keep Argentina’s World Cup hopes alive as his side came from behind to defeat England 2-1 and reach the final.
Reece James played 82 minutes and the Three Lions were still 1-0 up when he exited the field in place of Dan Burn.
But England’s decision to camp in their own half following Anthony Gordon’s volley ten minutes into the second half backfired as the reigning champions rallied late.
James had started the first two of England’s World Cup matches before missing the next three due to injury.
However, the Blues skipper returned to action during the quarter-final win over Norway, as he played 49 minutes from the bench, and tonight started at right-back alongside John Stones, Marc Guehi and Djed Spence.
The first half was an extremely broken up affair, as neither side managed a shot on target as Argentina in particular used clinical fouls to stop any attacking threat.
England made the breakthrough 10 minutes after the restart. Morgan Rogers delivered a low ball across the penalty area and Gordon arrived to convert, giving Thomas Tuchel’s side a 1-0 advantage.
Argentina responded by increasing the pressure, although England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford produced several important saves to preserve the lead.
James was withdrawn in the 82nd minute, shortly before his Chelsea team-mate produced the decisive moment of quality.
Following a short corner, Lionel Messi found Enzo in space outside the penalty area. The midfielder took a touch before sending a powerful, swerving strike beyond Pickford and into the far corner to draw Argentina level in the 85th minute.
The defending champions completed their comeback two minutes into added time. Messi delivered from the right and substitute Lautaro Martinez powered a close-range header into the net.
England pushed for an equaliser during the remaining stoppage time, but Argentina held firm to secure a 2-1 victory and a second consecutive World Cup final appearance.
Enzo and Argentina will now face Spain in Sunday’s final in New York New Jersey, while James and England will meet France in the third-place play-off on Saturday. Trevoh Chalobah was an unused substitute for the Three Lions.
