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England fall to Argentina
England’s World Cup semi-final ended in a 2-1 loss to Argentina after the defending champions scored two late goals at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with Anthony Gordon netting in the 55th minute following a scoreless first half.
“writing that he is "gutted" about the 2-1 loss to Argentina”
The Prince of Wales reacted to the defeat by writing that he was "gutted" about the 2-1 loss to Argentina, and his statement was shared by Kensington Palace.
BBC coverage said Argentina’s late surge secured their spot in the final against Spain in Atlanta, with the match turning after Gordon’s goal.
The same BBC report said the Prince of Wales signed off as "W" to indicate it came directly from Prince William, patron of the Football Association, and it also noted that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was "gutted" about England’s defeat.
In the run-up to the semi-final, the BBC said the Prince of Wales had expressed a strong passion for football, often seen cheering on Aston Villa FC.
Royal and PM messages
Prince William’s message to England after the semi-final loss was posted on social media, with one report describing it as a note on Instagram and quoting him saying "Gutted. England, you gave it everything and we are all so proud of you."
The Daily Mirror also reported that the Prince of Wales told England to "Hold your heads high," signing off as "W" and framing the tournament as a source of inspiration.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer shared a matching reaction, telling reporters that he was "gutted" about England’s defeat while saying the passion and energy shown representing the badge made them all proud.
Other coverage tied the defeat to the World Cup semi-final stage, saying England had a 1-0 lead after 84 minutes before conceding two goals to lose 2-1.
In the same BBC account, Starmer’s statement after full-time included the line "Tonight wasn't the result we all hoped for," while insisting "this England team has given it their all."
Final set: Spain vs Argentina
With Argentina’s 2-1 win over England, the World Cup final was set for Spain versus Argentina, and BBC coverage said Argentina would face Spain in the final against Spain in Atlanta.
“Argentina scored two late goals to secure their spot in the final against Spain in Atlanta”
The BBC report also said the Prince of Wales thanked England for "an incredible tournament," and it described his statement as part of his long-running support for the Three Lions.
Other coverage said England would play France in the third-place game the day before, while Argentina would play Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday.
In the same USA Today account, the Prince of Wales’ message closed with "Hold your heads high," and it said he was the longtime head of England's Football Association and is now patron of the FA.
The BBC also reported that Starmer’s final address to the House of Commons as prime minister included multiple references to England’s nervous build-up to the knock-out match, as the semi-final ended England’s run at the stage.