The Prince of Wales said he was “gutted” for England after they lost to Argentina in their World Cup semi-final, but said the Three Lions’ “fight and belief” in the tournament was inspiring.
England fans were devastated as their hopes that their team could end 60 years of World Cup hurt were dashed when the defending champions beat them 2-1.
Supporters of Thomas Tuchel’s side had been nervously optimistic that they could beat their old rivals, despite their concern that captain Lionel Messi could get in the way.
Argentina fans celebrated their victory jubilantly, with some near the pitch holding a banner which read “Las Malvinas son Argentinas”, translated as the Falkland Islands are Argentinian.
The banner made its way to the players who held it up as they revelled in their win.
Fights broke out outside the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta following the match on Wednesday, with police seen taking at least three people away.
The Atlanta Police Department deployed extra resources around the city, with officers lining the streets outside bars near the stadium after the crunch clash.
It came after the Prince of Wales thanked the England team for “an incredible tournament”.
“Gutted,” William said.
“England, you gave it everything and we are all so proud of you. Thank you to everyone on and off the pitch, for an incredible tournament.
“The fight and belief you have shown has inspired us all. The most complete England team in a tournament. Hold your heads high.”
The outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer chimed with the future king, also saying he was gutted for Tuchel’s side.
In a post on X, Sir Keir said: “Gutted. Tonight wasn’t the result we all hoped for, but this England team has given it their all.
“The passion and energy they’ve shown representing the badge has made us all proud.”
The joyous mood after Anthony Gordon put the Three Lions ahead 10 minutes into the second half – after a goalless, cagey first 45 minutes – came crashing down as Enzo Fernandez equalised 85 minutes in.
It soured even further when Lautaro Martinez put Argentina in the lead in the 92nd minute.
Ben Harper, 32, from Stoke-on-Trent, told the Press Association outside the stadium: “First half was cagey – it was the most tense half of football I’ve seen in a long time.
“Second half we nicked the goal and I thought OK, we’ve got the momentum.
“Then, nothing. Negative substitutions, defensive players come on and you’re thinking OK, against Mexico with 10 men at the altitude, fair enough.
“To then think 30 minutes in this stadium against the best team in the tournament for making comebacks, the best strategy is to sit back.
“Then they scored and it went 1-1, you’re thinking to yourself, the momentum is in their favour – what have we got? What are we going to do?
“We’ve reduced our attacking outlets, we haven’t got many options – I think that was a tactical disaster honestly.”
Harry Fine, from London, told PA he was “so upset” at the result.
“We haven’t shown up,” he said.
“What are we doing? What are we doing? Harry Kane the last two games – I love him and I’m an Arsenal fan, I want him to do everything for our country. Where were you Harry?
“I’m so upset. I’m so upset. I want to say it’s rigged but it’s not. We bottled it.”
Asked if he thought England had had the opportunity to go all the way, he said: “Yes. It was ours.”
Tensions flared following the match, with Argentina and England fans outside bars near the stadium exchanging words – much of it Falklands related.
Police were at the scene trying to keep the groups separated.
Fans at home were dismayed too, with many stood open mouthed or with their hands on their heads as the whistle was blown at a fan zone in Millennium Square in Leeds.
Harris Malhi, 31, who watched the game at Boxpark in Wembley, north London, told PA: “I feel annoyed, to be honest.
“I feel a bit disappointed, but I can take a step back, look at the bigger picture and be grateful for the World Cup that we’ve had.
“I still think semi-final overall is a good moment.
“Tuchel stays, he’s got the contract to stay, doesn’t he?
“I think hopefully he’ll learn from this, the players will learn from this.
“Either you can play not to lose or you can play to win, and we probably played not to lose a bit too early, to be honest.
“I think we went defensive slightly too early. That’s frustrating.
“But, you know, they’re world champions. They’ve got world-class players.”
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