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Argentina 2-1 England player ratings: Messi gets 9/10 with 2 assists while Chelsea & Spurs stars shine

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By:Mark Brus
16 July 2026 at 01:35

Argentina have beaten England and made it to the World Cup final, with Lionel Messi and co. now preparing to take on Spain.

Anthony Gordon gave England the lead in Wednesday night’s semi-final, but Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez scored twice late on to send the Three Lions out of the World Cup.

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For England, the 60 years of hurt goes on, and they’ll have to look back at what ended up being a pretty negative performance against Argentina.

Thomas Tuchel went far too defensive after England went ahead, so it’s not exactly the players’ fault, but here’s our look at how the players from both sides rated…

Argentina 2-1 England World Cup semi-final player ratings

Jordan Pickford – 6

Reece James – 7

Djed Spence – 7

Marc Guehi – 6

John Stones – 6

Declan Rice – 7.5

Elliot Anderson – 6

Jude Bellingham – 6.5

Morgan Rogers – 7

Anthony Gordon – 7.5

Harry Kane – 6

Not too many stand-out performers there from England, but Rogers and Gordon combined well for the goal, while Rice also played his part and generally worked hard in a difficult midfield battle. James and Spence were also in good form at both ends of the pitch, with the latter particularly impressive with one last-ditch challenge in the second half.

Emiliano Martinez – 6

Nahuel Molina – 6

Nicolas Tagliafico – 6

Cristian Romero – 8

Lisandro Martinez – 7

Leandro Paredes – 7

Alexis Mac Allister – 6.5

Enzo Fernandez – 8

Giulio Simeone – 6

Julian Alvarez – 7

Lionel Messi – 9

Argentina were not exactly spectacular, but Messi and Fernandez produced when it mattered and that will give them confidence against Spain in the final. A word too to Romero, who hasn’t always been at his best in a Tottenham shirt, but who looked like a real leader at the back tonight in an important game, keeping Kane quiet throughout.

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Who do you think will win this weekend’s final now? Give us your predictions in the comments!

The post Argentina 2-1 England player ratings: Messi gets 9/10 with 2 assists while Chelsea & Spurs stars shine appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Just in: Liverpool closely watching Tottenham player impressing at the World Cup

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By:Ahad Shaukat
15 July 2026 at 12:06

Liverpool’s defensive recruitment could lead them towards a familiar Premier League name following his impressive role in England’s World Cup campaign.

The Reds need greater depth across the back line, particularly players capable of covering more than one position without forcing Andoni Iraola to completely change his system.

A homegrown defender with pace, international experience and the ability to operate on either flank would address several needs at once.

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His tournament performances have increased his profile, but they may also make a potential agreement with Tottenham more expensive and considerably harder to negotiate.

Liverpool continue to monitor long term target

According to Anfield Watch, Liverpool have monitored Djed Spence since his loan spell with Rennes in 2023.

Their scouts were initially watching Désiré Doué but also assessed Spence, who reportedly performed particularly well when facing the talented French winger.

Liverpool’s interest has never developed into a formal offer, although the club have continued tracking his progress and would consider acting if a realistic market opportunity appeared.

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Spence’s performances for England have strengthened his reputation.

The Times reports that he has appeared in all six of England’s matches on their way to the semi-final, starting twice and coming off the bench four times.

His speed and one-on-one defending have made him a useful tactical option for Thomas Tuchel, including during the 2-1 quarter-final victory over Norway.

Tottenham are in a strong position regarding Spence

Spence can play as a right-back, left-back or wing-back, while his homegrown status would also help Liverpool meet squad-registration requirements.

Those qualities make him an attractive option for a team needing reliable defensive cover.

However, Tottenham confirmed in August 2025 that he had signed a new long-term contract, leaving Spurs under no pressure to sell. His strong World Cup could further increase their valuation.

Spence would be a smart signing for Liverpool because he provides pace, flexibility and Premier League experience. He would strengthen the squad without needing a lengthy adaptation period.

Still, Liverpool should not overpay after a handful of impressive tournament appearances.

Fresh contact: Liverpool step up winger pursuit by making efforts to sign 23-year-old

The post Just in: Liverpool closely watching Tottenham player impressing at the World Cup appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Liverpool keeping close eye on 25-year-old England international ahead of potential move

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By:Saikat
14 July 2026 at 19:05

Liverpool are reportedly keeping tabs on the Tottenham Hotspur defender Djed Spence.

The 25-year-old could be on his way out of the London club this summer, and the likes of Inter Milan and Newcastle United are also interested in him, as per TEAMtalk.

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Djed Spence could be a handy option

Liverpool could use more quality in the full-back department, and Spence would be the ideal acquisition. He has shown his quality with Tottenham, and he is impressing in the World Cup with the England national team as well.

He is versatile enough to operate on either flank, and he could be the ideal utility man for Liverpool. Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley struggled with injuries last season, and Liverpool needs more depth in the full-back areas.

Andrew Robertson has also left the club, and Spence will be able to provide cover and quality in both positions. It will be interesting to see if he’s willing to join Liverpool. He might not be a guaranteed starter for them. It would be a similar situation for him, where he would be a squad player.

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Can the Reds provide Spence ample game time?

He needs to play regularly at this stage of his career, and the 25-year-old is certainly good enough to start for Premier League teams. Perhaps moving to Newcastle or Inter Milan would be ideal for him if they are prepared to provide him with guaranteed first team action. Spence has also been linked with Everton.

It remains to be seen whether Liverpool follows up on their interest with an official offer to get the deal done. They will have to promise him gametime in order to convince the player to join.

Meanwhile, Tottenham are prepared to sanction his departure for the right price. They have spent heavily in the transfer window so far, and they still need to add a couple of quality attackers before the window closes.

The post Liverpool keeping close eye on 25-year-old England international ahead of potential move appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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