England captain Harry Kane has called on the Three Lions to learn from their World Cup disappointment after admitting the team is still "missing that final piece of the jigsaw" following their dramatic 2-1 semi-final defeat to Argentina.
Thomas Tuchel's side looked on course for a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final after Anthony Gordon fired England ahead early in the second half. However, late goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez completed Argentina's comeback and ended England's hopes of reaching their first World Cup final since 1966.
Reflecting on the defeat, Kane shared an emotional message on social media, admitting the loss would take time to process.
"No words are big enough right now to overcome this empty feeling in the stomach.
"We were close, really close to another final but it wasn't enough. We've given everything over these last seven weeks and to fall short is hard to take.
"I know the expectations are high and rightly so. We've been knocking on the door for eight years now but again are missing that final piece of the jigsaw. That's where we have to go away, process it and find a way to get better."
The Bayern Munich striker, who finished the tournament with six goals, insisted England must continue believing despite another painful exit.
"Going for glory doesn't always mean you will get it. You have to fight for it, get knocked down, pick yourself up and go again. That's what we will do. There's no other way but to keep believing and keep pushing."
England's defeat has sparked criticism of Tuchel's tactical approach after his side retreated following Gordon's 55th-minute opener.
Former England captain Wayne Rooney claimed the Three Lions "crumbled" by becoming too passive, while Tuchel has also faced scrutiny over his defensive substitutions.
Statistics highlighted England's struggles after taking the lead, with the Three Lions recording just 12% possession between Gordon's goal and Argentina's stoppage-time winner.
Sources have also indicated to BBC Sport that several senior players were disappointed by the team's conservative approach during the closing stages.
Tuchel, however, rejected suggestions the retreat was deliberate.
"It was never the plan," the England boss said, adding that "it's maybe not in our DNA... to control the game and ball."
The defeat echoes previous tournament disappointments for England, who also surrendered a 1-0 lead before losing the Euro 2021 final to Italy on penalties under Gareth Southgate.
Southgate's England were also beaten in the 2018 World Cup semi-finals by Croatia and the Euro 2024 final by Spain.
According to Opta, England have now been eliminated every time they have faced a top-10 ranked nation in the knockout stages of the World Cup since 1998.
Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham, who also finished the tournament with six goals, admitted he struggled to put England's exit into words.
The midfielder shared a four-page poem titled "The Lions Way", written by England team driver Michael Chandler, saying it perfectly captured the emotions surrounding the defeat.
Bellingham also urged supporters to remain united behind the national team.
"Don't let the unity and love we've seen in our country end with this campaign. When we're together we can achieve big things."
Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers, who assisted Gordon's goal against Argentina, described the defeat as "devastating."
"We gave so much to reach this far and for it to end the way it did hurts.
"We shared memories that will last for a lifetime and I lived a childhood dream to represent my country at a World Cup. We will be back, mark my words."
Barcelona winger Anthony Gordon admitted the loss would be difficult to overcome.
"I genuinely thought this was our time to win after waiting so many years, but it wasn't to be and it's going to hurt for a while.
"I've never wanted to win so badly, not just for the trophy but for everything we built as a group and what it would have meant for England."
Despite the disappointment, the Football Association has reaffirmed its support for Tuchel ahead of Euro 2028, which England will co-host alongside Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland.
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham believes England can use the lessons from this World Cup to mount another serious challenge for major honours.
"Thomas and the coaches will raise everyone for that and then lead us into qualification for our home Euros in 2028.
"Another fantastic opportunity for our men's team to challenge for silverware, with learnings from this tournament and even more support from our brilliant fans to look forward to. Onwards."
England will now conclude their World Cup campaign against France in Saturday's third-place play-off after Les Bleus were defeated by Spain in the other semi-final.
