Harry Kane believes that England if are to win a major tournament again they must learn how to control matches after taking the lead.
England looked set for a place in the World Cup final when Anthony Gordon put Thomas Tuchel’s side ahead in the 55th minute of the semi-final against Argentina.
But Albiceleste dominated the closing stages and eventually won 2-1, Enzo Fernandez equalising five minutes from time before Lautaro Martinez headed in Lionel Messi’s cross in stoppage time to send the defending champions through.
Kane said England lost control once they went in front and paid the price against a side that grew stronger as the match wore on.
“It’s a similar story to what’s happened in previous tournaments I feel like,” the captain said. “We managed the momentum of the game so well for 60 minutes, we scored and got ahead.
“And then for one reason or another, we struggled to be on the ball, we struggle to put pressure on the ball and it allowed them to create more momentum and created more attacks for them in our final third.
“It’s a normal mindset to try to hang on and try and hold on to the one-goal lead but you know, we’re still 20 minutes out so there’s going to be enough time there [for Argentina to score].
“We’ll have to watch the game back and find out exactly how we can improve in those situations, but it’s been probably the missing piece now for the last four tournaments.”
England changed shape after taking the lead, introducing Ezri Konsa, Nico O’Reilly and Dan Burn while switching to a back five. The tactical adjustment allowed Argentina to dominate possession and territory before completing their late comeback.
The defeat extends a run of near misses for Kane as England captain. Since leading the side to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, he has also finished runner-up at Euro 2021 and Euro 2024 and reached the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup.
The striker, who turns 33 this summer, would be 36 at the next World Cup but said it was too early to decide whether this tournament marked his final appearance on the biggest stage.
“Again, it’s too early to talk about that,” Kane said. “I’m taking it year by year and the national team is my pride and joy.
“It’s what I love to do most more than anything. Obviously four years is a long way away, I’m 33 this summer but it never ended with Leo there, he’s still performing at the highest level. I never want to put a limit on these things.
“I’ll address situations as they come, but for now it’s just about processing a tough loss.”
