Holders Argentina beat England 2-1 to set up World Cup final against Spain

ATLANTA — Defending champion Argentina defeated England 2-1 on Wednesday to advance to the FIFA World Cup final after staging a dramatic comeback with a stoppage-time winner from substitute Lautaro Martinez.

England took the lead in the 55th minute when Anthony Gordon tapped in a cross from Morgan Rogers at the back post.

Argentina continued to press for an equalizer and finally broke through in the 85th minute. Lionel Messi set up Enzo Fernandez, who fired a long-range strike into the net to level the score.

The defending champions completed the comeback in second-half stoppage time when Messi delivered a cross that Martinez headed home in the 92nd minute after finding space between England's defenders.

Argentina created several other scoring opportunities throughout the match. Alexis Mac Allister struck the woodwork twice, while England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made a crucial one-handed save in the 69th minute to deny Nico Gonzalez's powerful header.

The semifinal was played at a high intensity from the opening whistle, with frequent physical challenges and heated exchanges. American referee Ismail Elfath faced a difficult task managing the match as tensions flared throughout the contest.

Argentina will face Spain in the World Cup final as it looks to defend its title. England's campaign ends in the semifinals despite taking the lead midway through the second half. -Writing by Mark Gleeson in Atlanta; Editing by Ken Ferris/Reuters