Player ratings: Lionel Messi gets 9/10 as Argentina beat England to reach World Cup final - ESPN

Argentina defeated England 2-1 at Atlanta Stadium (Mercedes-Benz Stadium) on Wednesday to secure qualification to the World Cup final.

A physical opening 45 minutes saw both teams struggle to create chances, with 11 fouls committed in the opening 24 minutes, and a combined expected goals total (xG) of just 0.08 by the end of the half.

The match came to life after the restart when Argentina created the first big chance of the game through Julián Álvarez, but it was England who took the lead when Anthony Gordon swiftly got ahead of his marker at the back post to finish a Morgan Rogers cross.

The Three Lions looked to drop back into a more defensive setup from that point, which invited pressure from Argentina, and after a warning shot from Alexis Mac Allister's header that hit the post, Enzo Fernández tied the score with a strike from outside of the box.

As England continued with a back five, Lionel Messi kept on picking them off with crosses into the box, none more exquisite than the one that was guided perfectly onto the head of Lautaro Martínez to take the lead.

Argentina will face Spain in the final at New York/New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium) on Sunday.

England were good value for their lead and were performing well in midfield before the system change.

Once ahead, England cut the source to their attack and insisted on containing from the 72nd minute.

Thomas Tuchel 4 — Tuchel's initial game plan saw England marginally the better side, but he will take responsibility for this defeat after switching to a back five when bringing Ezri Konsa on for winger Anthony Gordon in the 72nd minute.

GK Jordan Pickford 6 — England's goalkeeper was called into action early in the second half with a strong save against Alvarez, and