Harry Kane said he was "gutted" for England and their fans after his team were beaten 2-1 by defending champions Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals on Wednesday.

Anthony Gordon's strike had put the Three Lions on the cusp of a first men's World Cup final since they lifted the 1966 trophy but Lionel Messi inspired a dramatic turnaround in Atlanta.

He set up Enzo Fernandez, who blasted home from outside the area, and provided an inch-perfect cross for Lautaro Martinez's winner in stoppage time.

"Gutted for the boys, gutted for everyone -- the team, the staff, the fans," England captain Kane told the BBC.

"We played a good game, the large majority of it. When we went 1-0 up we seemed to try and hold on, which at this level is not enough. 

"So, just gutted because we've worked so hard to be here and the lads have given every last bit of running, blood, sweat, tears."

Bayern Munich forward Kane, who scored six goals during the tournament, said Thomas Tuchel's men had struggled to repel constant attacks from the defending champions.

"After the goal, whether it was them putting more men forward or us not being able to match them man for man, it was just wave after wave," he said.

"Lads were putting blocks in but, in the end, it just wasn't enough."

He said England had not planned to rely on defending after Gordon's goal.

"When we went ahead the messaging was to go again and get another goal," he added.

"Then once they scored their two goals it was to try and find something but we couldn't quite get the momentum back in the game."

jw/gj

Lionel Messi engineered a spectacular comeback for Argentina against England in their World Cup semi-final on Wednesday to keep his team on track for back-to-back titles.

England were agonisingly close to reaching their first World Cup final for 60 years before succumbing to relentless pressure from Lionel Scaloni's team, who roared back to win 2-1 in Atlanta.

It sets up a mouthwatering contest between reigning European champions Spain and South American champions Argentina in New Jersey on Sunday.

The Albiceleste, followed at the 2026 World Cup by legions of fans, are just 90 minutes away from becoming the first side since Brazil in 1962 to win consecutive World Cups.

"The other day I said this group never stops surprising me," said Scaloni. "And I'll tell you the truth, we're going to try to win, we're going to leave everything out there.

"But after this it's very difficult to get people to understand what these players are showing. It's incredible. We are unique, truly, and it's not arrogance, it's from the heart."

Scaloni's men have scrapped their way through the knockout rounds, most memorably coming back from the dead to beat Egypt in the last 16.

Messi remains the beating heart of the team even at the age of 39 -- scoring eight goals to sit joint top of the Golden Boot standings -- and providing four assists.

But it appeared his World Cup dream was dying after Anthony Gordon fired England ahead in the 55th minute.

Argentina, however, refused to be beaten, pouring forward in waves and pinning their opponents back.

Enzo Fernandez smashed home an equaliser from outside the penalty box after Messi's assist in the 85th minute but still they were not done.

Substitute Lautaro Martinez rose to head home Messi's cross in stoppage time to complete the comeback and England ran out of time.

Man-of-the-match Messi, who had never faced England previously, hailed the character of Argentina, saying "the story never ends".

"This was just a football game, but of course it's quite a special one, especially playing against England with all the historical context," he said.

Argentina are 90 minutes away from claiming a fourth straight major title after winning two South American championships and the 2022 World Cup.

But defeat is another bitter blow for the Three Lions, who have reached at least the semi-final stage in four of their past five major tournaments without getting over the line.

- 'No regrets' -

England boss Thomas Tuchel defended his tactics after his team appeared to hand the initiative to Argentina following Gordon's opener.

"In the moment, no regrets. The team gave everything and we were very, very close," said the German. "We deserved to be up 1-0.

"We played one of our better matches, maybe our best match in the circumstances. The team was top, we couldn't get over the line but no regrets."

Captain Harry Kane said the England's disappointment was profound, adding: "Gutted for the boys, gutted for everyone -- the team, the staff, the fans."

"God Save the King" was drowned out by Argentine singing in a crowd dominated by supporters in the blue-and-white shirts of the defending champions.

David and Victoria Beckham were in the crowd to support England at the air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz Stadium, along with Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger.

The build-up to the fixture was given added spice by a lingering sovereignty dispute over the Falkland Islands, known in Spanish as the Malvinas, in the South Atlantic Ocean.

Argentina's Vice President Victoria Villarruel upped the stakes by calling the English "usurping pirates", despite efforts by head coach Scaloni to keep the focus on the game.

As they celebrated Argentina's players held up a banner on the pitch saying "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" (The Falklands are Argentine).

Spain produced a masterclass to beat favourites France 2-0 in Arlington, Texas, on Tuesday, meaning Messi will face the country where he played most of his career for Barcelona.

jw/rcw

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente saluted his players as the "best team in the world" on Tuesday after a stunning 2-0 World Cup semi-final upset of France.

De la Fuente, who had repeatedly said Spain were the best side in the tournament, was left beaming with pride as La Roja outplayed France to reach Sunday's World Cup final.

It was another tactical masterpiece by the Spanish coach, who oversaw La Roja's European Championship victory in 2024 and has now beaten France in three straight competitive matches.

"We started almost four years ago with an idea and we’ve been faithful to that idea and it's brought us here," de la Fuente said.

"Today we faced one of the best national teams in the world, but in front of them they had the best team in the world. That is different."

De la Fuente is now contemplating Spain's first World Cup final appearance since 2010.

"These players deserve everything -- day after day they’ve showed their commitment, their solidarity, their generosity, their talent," de la Fuente added of his team. "They make the difficult look easy."

rcw/gj

Janice McNair, who co-founded the NFL's Houston Texans in 2002, died on Tuesday at age 89, the team announced.

McNair and her husband Bob, who died in 2018 at age 81, brought the NFL back to Houston with an expansion club after the Houston Oilers moved in 1997 to become the Tennessee Titans.

Janice McNair served as the Texans' primary owner after her husband's death until transferring the post to son Cal McNair in 2024.

"Outside of our family, nothing mattered more to her than her beloved Texans. I remain honored to lead this franchise and build on the foundation my parents set when they brought football back to Houston," said Texans chair and chief executive Cal McNair.

"Mom leaves an indelible mark on our family, our team and our community and her giving spirit will always be embedded in the fabric of our organization."

The Texans reached the playoffs in three of six seasons under her guidance.

"Mrs. McNair was an incredible woman who will be deeply missed," Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said.

"We shared the same vision of bringing the organization to new heights and I will continue to work every day to accomplish that goal."

js/bsp

St. Louis slugger Jordan Walker smashed home runs on the last four pitches he faced on Monday to edge Philadelphia's Kyle Schwarber 12-11 in Major League Baseball's Home Run Derby final.

The 24-year-old American right-handed hitter defeated the MLB season homers leader in Schwarber's home ballpark to capture the $1 million top prize.

Schwarber, a left-handed hitter with 32 homers this season, began the head-to-head final with home runs on six of his first eight swings and off 10 of the regulation 15 pitches.

The 33-year-old American earned extra throws with a last-pitch homer and belted an 11th to make Walker's task that much harder.

Walker, who has 22 homers this season, belted homers on four of his first six swings but came to his final swing three homers behind, needing four in a row for a fightback triumph.

The Cardinals outfielder then blasted the first pitch for a homer to end regulation throws on nine, then hit three extra throws in a row over the outfield wall to capture the title.

The annual ball-bashers showcase was staged at Philadelphia on the eve of the 96th MLB All-Star Game, which matches elite talent from the American and National leagues.

Rule changes for 2026 eliminated time limits in favor of pre-set numbers of pitches, 20 in round one and 15 in the semi-final and final rounds for each contestant.

In the head-to-head semi-finals, Walker smashed six of eight pitches for homers to defeat last year's Derby runner-up, 23-year-old Dominican slugger Junior Caminero of Tampa Bay, 6-5.

In the other semi, Schwarber edged 34-year-old Venezuelan Wilson Contreras of Boston 9-8.

Schwarber smashed nine homers off 15 pitches to begin while Contreras, who hit eight homers on 11 pitches in round one, missed on his first two swings, homered on six of the next seven but could not manage an equalizer.

Walker crushed eight homers on his first 10 pitches in round one and matched Contreras at the top with 13 homers, while Caminero had 12 and Schwarber hit 10 to grab the last semi spot, but only after an 0-for-5 start.

Schwarber homered on 10 of his last 15 swings then watched as teammate Bryce Harper, the final first-round batter, hit only eight homers and was eliminated.

Also ousted in the opening round were Japanese MLB rookie Munetaka Murakami of the Chicago White Sox with nine homers, Kansas City's Jac Caglianone with eight and Ben Rice of the New York Yankees with seven.

Los Angeles Dodgers batting and pitching star Shohei Ohtani of Japan and New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge were not in the Derby and will miss the All-Star Game due to injuries.

js/dh

Lionel Messi has done just about everything possible in a glorious career, but the 39-year-old Argentinian great has never taken on England -- he will finally get the chance in Wednesday's World Cup semi-final.

Messi won his 200th cap for the Albiceleste in the group-stage victory against Algeria and dreams of leading his country to the final once again.

The diminutive playmaker is surely in the final days of a remarkable international career which began when he was a fresh-faced 18-year-old in 2005.

Having broken into the Barcelona team late the previous year, Messi had just starred for Argentina as they won the Under-20 World Cup in the Netherlands.

He was handed his Argentina bow by Jose Pekerman in a friendly against Hungary in Budapest that August, replacing Lisandro Lopez in the 64th minute and joining Hernan Crespo up front.  

Ninety seconds later he was sent off for what the referee saw as an elbow. It was quite the ignominious way for his Argentina career to begin.

"An 18-year-old kid who is making his debut for the national team and has so much hope -- he can't be punished like that. The referee needed to be more understanding," said Crespo.

Messi might look back now and laugh at that incident, which led to him being suspended for a friendly against England in Geneva three months later.

The nations have not met since, and so Messi will play against the Three Lions for the very first time under the roof of the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

"I have played against everyone except England and it is special because they are a major nation, a powerhouse, and it is always nice to play against a side like that, especially in a World Cup semi-final," said Messi after Argentina beat Switzerland in Kansas City in the last eight.

- Emulating Maradona -

The man who emulated Diego Maradona by inspiring Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar four years ago will now hope to leave a similar mark on England as his legendary predecessor.

Any meeting of these countries evokes memories of the 1986 quarter-final at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, when Maradona punched in to score the 'Hand of God' opener and then ran past half the England defence for his team's second goal -– perhaps the greatest World Cup goal of all time.

Messi has not scored one quite like that, but ahead of the semi-finals of the current tournament he had scored more World Cup goals than any other player.

With 21 goals from a tournament record 32 appearances, he led France skipper Kylian Mbappe by one after the quarter-finals.

The Inter Miami player had found the net in nine consecutive World Cup matches before the Switzerland game, when he let others -- notably Julian Alvarez -- take over the goalscoring duties.

Argentina are now one game away from reaching another World Cup final, as they aim to become the first team to retain the trophy since Brazil in 1962.

It would be a third final in four World Cups, and Messi could follow in the footsteps of Brazil great Cafu. The full-back played in three in a row from 1994 to 2002 –- even Maradona only played in two.

"Getting to another semi-final is not a normal, mundane thing, so this is something we should really enjoy because we don't know if it will happen again," Messi said.

The England players will hope to enjoy it as well.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," Nico O'Reilly, who is likely to come up against Messi if he starts at left-back, told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"He's coming towards the end of his career. For me personally, he's the best player to ever touch a football pitch. And yeah, I can't wait for the challenge."

as/gj

England are bidding to end Lionel Messi's dream of winning back-to-back World Cups and reach their first final in six decades as they renew their old rivalry with holders Argentina on Wednesday in a seismic semi-final showdown.

An England team which has been dragged to this stage by the brilliance of Jude Bellingham take on Messi's Argentina under the roof of the spectacular arena in Atlanta, already the scene of a memorable victory by the defending champions at this tournament.

It is the first competitive meeting of the sides since the 2002 World Cup and the fixture conjures so many memories, from Diego Maradona and the 'Hand of God' in 1986, to David Beckham's red card after tangling with Diego Simeone in 1998, while also thrusting the lingering sovereignty dispute over the Falkland Islands back into the spotlight.

"The message is this is a football game. That's what I can say," said Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni after his team's 3-1 quarter-final win over Switzerland.

There is more than enough to focus on in purely footballing terms, with England one win from a first appearance in the World Cup final since they lifted the trophy in 1966.

Argentina, meanwhile, are looking to reach a third final in four World Cups, and in doing so remain on course to become the first nation to retain the trophy since Brazil in 1962.

"This squad does not get tired of making history. They keep wanting more," said Messi after the Switzerland game.

"It is not easy to have been world champions, to have won all that we have won, and to once again keep competing at this level and be back in the semi-finals."

Remarkably, the semi-final is also the first time Messi has ever played against England.

- Epic feel -

Neither team has enjoyed a smooth passage to this stage.

Argentina cruised through the group phase, but the knockout rounds have been frenetic for the team coached by Scaloni, the one-time West Ham United full-back.

Twice they were pegged back before beating Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time. Then they needed a late comeback to beat Egypt 3-2 in Atlanta, before requiring extra time to sink 10-man Switzerland 3-1 on Saturday.

That game ended Messi's streak of scoring in nine consecutive World Cup outings, but extended the Albiceleste's unbeaten run at the finals to 12 matches since losing to Saudi Arabia in 2022.

England began with a thrilling 4-2 win over Croatia but have struggled to hit the same heights since, even if their run in the knockout rounds has had an epic feel to it.

They needed a late comeback, and two Harry Kane goals, to beat DR Congo 2-1, then held on with 10 men to defeat Mexico 3-2 in the Estadio Azteca in a World Cup classic in which Bellingham notched a brace.

The Real Madrid star also scored twice, including an extra-time winner, as England fought back to beat Norway 2-1 in Miami at the weekend.

And so here they are, in a fourth semi-final in the last five major tournaments.

"We all know how good Messi is but we also know how good Argentina are. We can't solely rely on (stopping) Messi," England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford said Monday.

"We've got to focus on their other strengths and the weaknesses we can take advantage of."

- Ageing lineup -

Argentina are an ageing side, and perhaps their exertions to reach this point will catch up with them –- the average age of their starting line-up against Switzerland was over 30, while England's against Norway was 26.6.

England have a doubt over Declan Rice, who has been struggling with illness, as they prepare to face Messi at last, right at the end of his glorious career.

"I have played against everyone except England and it is special because they are a major nation, a powerhouse, and it is always nice to play against a side like that, especially in a World Cup semi-final," said 39-year-old Messi.

The last meeting of the teams was a 3-2 friendly win for England in November 2005, when Michael Owen scored twice.

Messi was 18 at the time and had made his international debut three months earlier, but he did not play in that game.

as/gj

France coach Didier Deschamps insisted he still sees Spain as World Cup favourites on Monday ahead of Les Bleus' blockbuster semi-final against the European champions.

France take on Spain at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Tuesday in a match widely seen as a collision of the best two teams in the tournament.

While Deschamps' side have lit up the World Cup with a string of scintillating performances, Spain's campaign has built momentum gradually following a shock 0-0 draw against minnows Cape Verde in their opening game.

Deschamps, though, maintains that France -- beaten by Spain in their last two meetings -- will be the underdog on Tuesday. 

"Forget about the first game against Cape Verde," Deschamps said of Spain's campaign. "Ever since then Spain have confirmed that they are the favourites. 

"I don't want to add extra pressure to (Spain coach) Luis (de la Fuente) and their team -- he knows very well that people are expecting greatly of Spain.

"But Spain can attack well, and they can defend very well. They've only conceded one goal in the last six or seven matches."

Deschamps believes Tuesday's game has all the makings of a classic.

"With the quality of the two teams offensively, I think we could think that is going to be a spectacular game," he said.

Deschamps is also not overly concerned by the threat posed by Spain winger Lamine Yamal, who scored in La Roja's victories over France in the European Championship semi-final in 2024 and the UEFA Nations League last year.

"We know the strength of the opposing team. We have our own strengths," Deschamps said.

"Have I studied Yamal and his assets? Yes, he's one of the players that can really make a difference on the pitch. 

"And all opponents should try to limit the strength of the other team, but we have many solutions. 

"When it comes to a one-on-ones it could be tough. But having a one-on-one against some of my players is not an easy task either."

Deschamps, meanwhile, confirmed that France captain Kylian Mbappe, who left the quarter-final win over Morocco late in the second half after taking a knock, was "100 percent" fit for the semi-final.

rcw/js

The World Cup held its breath Monday on the eve of the first semi-final that pitches France's fearsome attack against a technically gifted Spain team.

France have reached the past two World Cup finals, winning in 2018 in Russia and losing to Argentina four years ago in Qatar in an epic final despite a hat-trick from Kylian Mbappe.

They are aiming to win the World Cup for a third time while Spain -- despite their rich footballing tradition -- have lifted the famous trophy just once, in South Africa in 2010.

Many observers believe this year's Spain squad has the quality to win the tournament -- but first they need to find a way to stop France's star-studded frontline, led by Mbappe.

The Real Madrid forward has scored eight goals to lead the Golden Boot race alongside Lionel Messi and will give Spain's defenders a different challenge in Arlington, Texas.

France's roster of forwards also includes Ballon D'Or winner Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise, the English-born forward whose pace and dribbling pull defences out of shape, allowing Mbappe the space to work his magic.

Behind them, whether they start the game or come on as substitutes, France can call on Paris Saint-Germain pair Bradley Barcola and Desire Doue.

Defeat to Messi's Argentina in the final in Doha four years ago was a bitter experience for France, and the desire for a rematch is strong -- if Messi can lead his team past England in their semi-final in Atlanta on Wednesday.

Adding to France's motivation, France coach Didier Deschamps is leaving after this tournament following 14 years in charge.

Already part of the elite club to have won the World Cup as a player and a coach, Deschamps would dearly love to collect a third title.

"It is a human adventure and even though I chose the players, to be with this squad every day is very important," he said after France comfortably beat Morocco in the quarter-finals.

"I am very happy on a personal level and also happy to see them enjoying themselves so much."

- Upper hand -

In Lamine Yamal, who turned 19 on Monday, Spain have the player who will likely succeed Messi and the far younger Mbappe as football's next superstar.

Yamal inspired Spain to glory at Euro 2024 but came into his first World Cup still recovering from a hamstring injury.

The Barcelona player initially looked less than his normal sparkling best, but he has improved steadily and won the player-of-the-match award in the 2-1 semi-final win against Belgium.

The teenager pointed out that Spain have the upper hand on France, having beaten them 2-1 in the semi-final of Euro 2024 and in a high-scoring Nations League semi-final in 2025 that finished 5-4.

"There are two possibilities -- either they reach three consecutive World Cup finals, or we beat them three times in a row. We'll see what happens," Yamal said.

Spain's run to the final has been built on a solid defence -- Belgium's goal at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles was the first they have conceded in the entire tournament.

Coach Luis de la Fuente has restored the possession-based style that was a trademark of earlier Spain teams, meaning France will have to win the ball from them before they can launch their attacks.

gj/jw

Conor McGregor said Sunday his right knee was fine before he injured it on the first kick of his mixed martial arts showdown with Max Holloway to end a five-year layoff.

And the Irish star who lost in 69 seconds at UFC 329 in Las Vegas vowed to make another comeback once he recovers from his latest setback.

McGregor injured himself when he planted his right leg to make a leaping roundhouse kick at the start of the bout, falling to the mat for the first of three times before the fight was stopped.

"I was so sharp and so ready for this fight I cannot believe what has happened," McGregor posted on X on Sunday after the bout.

"The talk of me being off while walking in to the fight is nonsense. I was calm, ready, and confident. I am in shock what has taken place."

McGregor, who had not fought since suffering a broken left leg in a 2021 defeat, promised his famed career was not yet over.

"I will overcome this," he wrote. "I will not be deterred. I will return."

McGregor described his injury as "my head gasket is gone. Destroyed," in a cryptic reference taken to mean torn knee ligaments.

"I had no injury / injuries going into the fight," McGregor posted.

"I was throwing kicks, planted and jumping, all throughout camp as well as backstage before the fight. This came out of nowhere."

McGregor described his situation as, "I am beyond dark here. I can only describe it as hell."

Triumphant Holloway, who joked of making McGregor "weak in the knees," said he wants to fight McGregor again whenever possible. He lost their first meeting in 2013.

"Thank you Conor for fight. Took a lot to make that walk after these past few years," Holloway posted on X. "Sending prayers for a speedy recovery."

js/bb

England and Argentina will meet on Wednesday in a blockbuster World Cup semi-final infused with decades of bitter rivalry after they battled past Norway and Switzerland respectively in the quarter-finals.

The South Americans and their talisman Lionel Messi must defeat England in Atlanta to keep alive their hopes of becoming the first team to win back-to-back World Cups since Brazil in 1962.

England and their key partnership of Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane must win to have any hope of ending a 60-year wait for a major trophy.

The winner of that game will take on the victor of France's semi-final with Spain -- they meet in Texas on Tuesday -- in the final on July 19.

The Argentina v England match comes 40 years after a seismic encounter in the quarter-finals of the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.

Argentina secured a 2-1 victory at the Estadio Azteca with two goals from Diego Maradona -- one the infamous "Hand of God" when he punched the ball into the net and the other a dazzling solo effort considered one of the greatest goals ever to grace a World Cup.

For Maradona's heir, Messi, it will be his 206th match in an Albiceleste shirt, but his first ever against England.

The match will also take place against the backdrop of a lingering sovereignty dispute over the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, known in Spanish as the Malvinas.

Britain sent a military taskforce in 1982 to reclaim the islands after Argentine troops invaded.

After Argentina beat a dogged Swiss side 3-1 in Kansas City on Saturday thanks to extra-time goals from Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez, their coach Lionel Scaloni attempted to take the political heat out of the meeting with England.

"The message is this is a football game. That's what I can say," Scaloni said. 

"It is a football game and we will be playing against a very tough opponent. They have an excellent coach and this is a football game and that's all."

- 'Very lucky ' -

That coach, Thomas Tuchel, was angry with his England team after they needed extra-time on Saturday to end Norway's historic run in sweltering Miami.

Two goals from Jude Bellingham gave England a nervy 2-1 victory to send them into the semi-finals for only the fourth time in history.

Tuchel said his team would need to make a noticeable improvement if they were to have any chance of reaching the final.

In energy-sapping Florida heat and humidity, England's shaky defence allowed Andreas Schjelderup to unleash a rasping shot from the left to put Norway ahead on 36 minutes.

But England got a huge break in first-half stoppage time when Bellingham equalised after an attack that was initiated when a goal kick from Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland appeared to hit an overhead camera cable.

Norway's players protested in vain and the goal stood. The Norwegians also had a goal controversially disallowed before Bellingham then poached the winner in extra-time.

"We made life very, very difficult for ourselves today," Tuchel said afterwards. 

"The result is fantastic. The last four is amazing, but not happy with the performance... we were very lucky today."

While football's world governing body FIFA later said there was "no evidence" the ball had hit the cable before England's first goal, Norway coach Stale Solbakken was adamant.

"That was unlucky for us," Solbakken said. "The ball fell straight down from the sky, so it changed its direction. But we can't do anything about that."

Erling Haaland, the marauding forward who scored seven goals as Norway reached uncharted waters at the tournament, said his team's performance had inspired a new generation.

"How we put Norway on the map is maybe one thing that touches me the most," said Haaland, who failed to score for the first time in 15 competitive games for his country.

"Hopefully now we can establish something when it comes to Euros, World Cups and everything because our generation is amazing and also all this gives motivation to young people back in Norway that it's possible to play a big stage in the world with a Norwegian shirt."

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