The wait for glory goes on: Heartbreak for Three Lions as Argentina leave it late to continue England's tournament curse
England have fallen at the semi-final stage for the fifth time at major tournaments
England's dreams of lifting a first major trophy since 1966 are over for another two years after Argentina completed a late comeback to win 2-1 in Atlanta.
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A game that looked like it would go down in English football folklore instead ended in all too familiar despair as the dream of football coming home for the first time since 1966 ended in Atlanta.
The Three Lions were minutes away from sending the tie to extra time but Lautaro Martinez's 92nd minute header sent his side through to a second consecutive World Cup final.
Anthony Gordon’s strike had England on the cusp of a first men’s World Cup final since Sir Alf Ramsey’s heroes lifted the trophy, but reigning champions Argentina never quit.
Enzo Fernandez slammed home five minutes from time to make it 1-1, and Martinez headed home to break English hearts minutes later.
Tuchel threw on Marcus Rashford and Ivan Toney for his first minutes of the tournament in the dying embers of stoppage time but it was too little too late.
It means the Argentines will face Spain in Sunday's showdown.
For England, having lost back-to-back European Championship finals under Sir Gareth Southgate, this was another case of so close yet so far.
The side were cheered on by around 3,500 supporters in Atlanta, and at home England fans were left dejected.
At Boxpark in Wembley, north London, supporters were dejected. The most fans could muster as England launched their desperate response was a few claps of encouragement.
Sir David Beckham was also pictured looking devastated in the stands.
The Prince of Wales said he was "gutted" following England’s 2-1 defeat against Argentina in the World Cup semi-final.
"Gutted. England, you gave it everything and we are all so proud of you," William wrote on Instagram.
"Thank you to everyone on and off the pitch, for an incredible tournament. The fight and belief you have shown has inspired us all. The most complete England team in a tournament. Hold your heads high."
Speaking after the final whistle, Harry Kane told BBC: "We had a lot of good moments at this tournament, a lot of good games and another semi-final.
"We talk about knocking on the door, we're close, we just need to find that missing piece late in the tournament.
"These tournaments take it out of you with so much effort, pressure and mentality. We've shown that throughout the six or seven weeks we've been together but we're just missing that final piece."
Elsewhere, Argentina's caused outrage after holding a banner during their full-time celebrations claiming rights to the Falkland Islands.
The squad, which included star man Lionel Messi, produced the sheet with the writing: "Las Malvinas son Argentinas", translating to "The Malvinas (Falkland Islands) belong to Argentina".
Police have also reportedly ade multiple arrests after supporters from both teams clashed outside.