Bury Times Readers have been sharing their reaction as England's hopes of reaching a first men's FIFA World Cup final in 60 years ended in heartbreak after a dramatic late collapse saw them knocked out against Argentina in Atlanta.
Thomas Tuchel's side looked set to book their place in Sunday's showpiece after Anthony Gordon put them ahead midway through the second half.
However, Argentina struck twice in the closing stages, with Enzo Fernandez levelling before Lautaro Martinez headed home an injury-time winner from a Lionel Messi cross.
The defeat means England's wait for a second World Cup triumph goes on, while the reigning champions will face Spain in the final.
After a tense and physical opening period, England gained control following Gordon's goal and appeared to be edging towards victory.
But Argentina gradually built momentum as England retreated deeper and deeper into their own half.
Fernandez's spectacular long-range equaliser five minutes from time shifted the balance completely before Martinez delivered the decisive blow in stoppage time.
The manner of the defeat prompted strong reactions from Bury Times readers, many of whom questioned England's tactics after taking the lead.
One reader felt England became too defensive too early.
"Why score one goal and then just go totally on the defence?" he wrote.
"They should have kept on pressing."
Another supporter echoed that view, arguing that England invited pressure onto themselves instead of pushing for a second goal.
"Instead of putting Argentina under pressure after the first goal, England put themselves under pressure to defend that goal," he said.
"I believe that was the only reason for the defeat.
"English team was the better side.
"The loss was due to the bad strategy."
Several comments reflected frustration with Tuchel's approach as England attempted to protect their advantage.
Football pundits and analysts have pointed to England's increasingly cautious setup in the closing stages, with defensive substitutions and a deeper shape allowing Argentina to dominate possession and territory.
One reader summed up his feelings bluntly, writing: "Not good enough."
Another was even more critical of the manager, posting: "TT out, worse than Southgate."
Others looked back at key decisions during the match, including the use of substitutes.
One reader said: "Well they shouldn't have sat on our goal.
"They should have put Rashford on earlier, but I'm glad Messi didn't score."
While Messi did not get on the scoresheet himself, the Argentine captain once again played a decisive role, creating both late goals to help his side complete the turnaround.
For many England fans, the pain stemmed from just how close the team came to reaching the final.
"We made it so close to the finishing line and then this happened," one supporter commented.
Another reader reflected on the disappointment felt across the country, although he admitted he had not watched the match.
"Didn't watch it but it's a sad day," he wrote.
"Some people may not be alive for the next one.
"But now half-price flags and shirts.
"So sad."
The loss marks another near miss for England at a major tournament following a run of deep knockout-stage appearances in recent years.
Despite entering the closing stages with a lead and appearing to have one foot in the final, England were ultimately unable to withstand Argentina's late surge.
Readers' reactions suggest there was sympathy for the players but frustration at the tactical decisions made after Gordon's breakthrough goal.
With a third-place play-off against France still to come, England now have little time to recover from one of the most painful defeats in living memory.
For supporters, however, the sense of what might have been is likely to linger long after the final whistle in Atlanta.
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