'England were unbelievable until...' – Kevin Pietersen slams England's approach after FIFA World Cup Semi-Final loss to Argentina

Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen criticised England's approach after their 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final. He said the Three Lions were the better team for most of the match but allowed the defending champions to take control after scoring the opening goal.

England took the lead in the 55th minute when Anthony Gordon finished a cross from Morgan Rogers. However, Argentina staged a late comeback as Enzo Fernandez equalised in the 85th minute before Lautaro Martinez scored the winning goal with a stoppage-time header to send his team into the final.

Reacting to the result, Pietersen said England were "unbelievable until" they scored, suggesting the team changed its approach after taking the lead. The dramatic defeat ended England's World Cup campaign, while Argentina advanced to the final, where they will face Spain.

Kevin Pietersen reacts to England's 2-1 FIFA World Cup Semi-Final loss to Argentina

Kevin Pietersen criticised England's performance after their dramatic 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final. Reacting on X, the former England captain said the Three Lions lost control of the match by allowing Argentina to dictate play after falling behind.

Sharing his thoughts, Pietersen wrote, "One of the biggest mistakes you can make in sport is letting a bully, bully you." He also said England were "unbelievable until" they scored the opening goal, suggesting the team's approach changed after taking the lead. Argentina went on to equalise through Enzo Fernandez before Lautaro Martinez scored the winner in stoppage time.

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Interestingly, Pietersen had backed England to beat Argentina before the semi-final. After Spain defeated France 2-0 in the first semi-final, he posted on X, "Argentina will play like France," predicting England would produce a similar result. However, Argentina completed a late comeback to reach the final, where they will face Spain.

"Let the bully bully them" — Pietersen's full take on England's late collapse in Atlanta

Kevin Pietersen strongly criticised England's approach after their 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final. Reacting on X, the former England cricketer said the Three Lions lost control of the match after taking the lead and allowed the defending champions to dominate.

Sharing his views, Pietersen wrote: “One of the biggest mistakes you can make in sport is letting a bully, bully you. And you could see in the first five minutes the Argentine plan! England were unbelievable till they scored and then capitulated straight away to let the bully, bully them. So close, yet so far!” He believed England played excellent football until they scored but failed to handle Argentina's response.

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Pietersen's comments came after England's heartbreaking late collapse in Atlanta. Anthony Gordon gave England the lead in the second half, but Argentina fought back through Enzo Fernandez before Lautaro Martinez scored the winning goal in stoppage time, sending the defending champions into the FIFA World Cup final.

England vs France Third-place playoff next — What Pietersen's criticism means for the Three Lions

England's World Cup campaign is not over yet, as they will face France in the third-place playoff after their heartbreaking 2-1 semi-final defeat to Argentina. The match gives the Three Lions one final chance to end the tournament on a positive note and secure a place on the podium.

Kevin Pietersen's criticism has increased the focus on England's approach ahead of the playoff. The former England cricketer believes the team lost control after taking the lead against Argentina and will hope they learn from that mistake when they face France.

The third-place playoff will also be an opportunity for England to respond to the disappointment of their semi-final exit. A strong performance against France would help restore confidence and allow Thomas Tuchel's side to finish the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a victory.