Who scored the late goals for Argentina?

Julián Álvarez scored in the 85th minute and Lionel Messi added the decisive strike at 90+2.

What did this result mean for England?

England's World Cup campaign ended; the match exposed defensive and game-management issues that require tactical and mental reassessment.

What should Argentina do next?

Maintain the tactical discipline that produced the late goals, avoid complacency, and sharpen set-piece and defensive organization as they progress.

Late Alchemy: Argentina’s 85th and 90+2 Salvation Crushes England’s World Cup Dream

This was a match decided in the twilight — two punches in the final ten minutes that turned England's celebration into silence. Julián Álvarez struck in the 85th minute and Lionel Messi sealed the victory in stoppage time (90+2), ending England's run and sending Argentina through on a wave of cold-blooded finishing.

England had moments of control and a lead that suggested they might hold on, but their defence frayed when it mattered most and the midfield failed to close the spine of the game. Argentina's substitutions and tempo management were surgical; they invited pressure and then punished the smallest slips with ruthless efficiency.

Tactically the game exposed a recurring English vulnerability: excellent structure when chasing the game, brittle when protecting an advantage. Argentina, by contrast, showed the maturity of a side built around moments — Messi's quiet authority and Álvarez's timing masked a broader team plan to seize late windows.

The Guru's verdict: Argentina now carry favoured momentum but must not confuse flair with flawlessness; they must maintain discipline while harvesting finishing moments. England must rebuild mentality and defensive strategy — start with a compact midfield, clearer communication from the back, and a renewed focus on game management if they are to return stronger next tournament.