Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze saw their World Cup title hopes ended as England suffered a dramatic 2-1 semi-final defeat by Argentina.
Rice started in Thomas Tuchel’s midfield and played 82 minutes at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
The Arsenal midfielder helped create England’s opening goal in the 55th minute. His pass released Morgan Rogers, whose delivery was converted by Anthony Gordon.
England remained ahead when Rice was replaced by Nico O’Reilly. However, Argentina completed a late comeback after Tuchel’s side dropped deeper.
Enzo Fernández equalised with a powerful strike from outside the penalty area in the 85th minute. Lautaro Martínez then headed in Lionel Messi’s cross during added time to send Argentina into Sunday’s final against Spain.
The Associated Press match report confirmed Rice’s 82nd-minute withdrawal and Argentina’s two late goals.
Arsenal trio remain unused in Atlanta
Saka, Madueke and Eze were all named among England’s substitutes but did not enter the match.
Madueke lost his starting position after featuring against Norway in the quarter-final, while Saka remained on the bench despite returning from an Achilles problem earlier in the tournament.
Eze was also unused after playing a supporting role during England’s run to the last four.
As Read Arsenal reported before kick-off, all four Arsenal players were available after Rice recovered from illness.
Their tournament is not quite over. England will face France in Saturday’s third-place play-off before Rice, Saka, Madueke and Eze return to Arsenal ahead of the new season.
