Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has revealed that his side sensed England had begun to lose belief after taking the lead in their 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final and capitalised on the momentum shift to secure a dramatic comeback victory.
The defending champions overturned an early deficit to beat England 2-1 on Wednesday and book a second successive appearance in the World Cup final, where they will face Spain.
England opened the scoring through Anthony Gordon before Enzo Fernandez levelled with a long-range effort.
Lautaro Martinez then headed home a Lionel Messi cross deep into stoppage time to complete Argentina’s comeback.
Reflecting on the victory, Scaloni said his players recognised a change in England’s approach after the opening goal and immediately took advantage.
“The opponent doubted themselves a bit. We smelled blood and went for it. We all felt it.”
The Argentina coach also praised his team’s response after conceding first, insisting the comeback reflected more than tactical discipline.
“Yes, after England scored we showed a lot about our football. It’s more than tactics and playing pretty football.”
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez shared a similar view, saying Argentina noticed England retreating instead of maintaining their attacking approach after going ahead.
“We felt it. We felt them going backwards and backwards rather than going forward.”
He added that England’s tactical adjustment ultimately worked in Argentina’s favour.
“Sometimes when you are winning, you have to go forward anyway.
“You can’t change the gameplan. I think they did it and they put extra defenders.”
Scaloni also hailed his players’ resilience as they moved within one victory of retaining the World Cup title.
“I’m lost for words. A great happiness for our country and our people… This shirt merits us giving absolutely everything possible until the very end.”
Argentina will face 2010 champions Spain in Sunday’s World Cup final, while England will take on France in Saturday’s third-place playoff.
