Kane unsure about playing at 2030 World Cup after semi-final loss

England captain Harry Kane has cast doubt on his participation at the 2030 World Cup, saying it is "too early" to judge whether he will still be playing for his country after a painful semi-final defeat to Argentina. The defending champions produced a dramatic late comeback in Atlanta to win 2-1, setting up a final against Spain on Sunday.

It was England's second World Cup semi-final loss in eight years, following a 2-1 defeat by Croatia in 2018. Kane, now 32, praised Argentina's 39-year-old captain Lionel Messi but remained uncertain about his own international future. "It's too early to talk about that. For me, it's about taking it year by year and how I feel," said Kane. "The national team is my pride and joy, it's what I love to do most. Four years is a long way away and I'm 33 in the summer, but as you see with Leo [Messi], he's still performing at the highest level [at 39]. I never want to put a limit on these things. For now, it's about processing another tough loss."

England's semi-final heartbreak

England took the lead in the 55th minute when Anthony Gordon finished from Morgan Rogers' cross. However, Argentina struck back with late goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez in the second minute of injury time, denying England their first men's World Cup final appearance since 1966. "There's not much to say — everyone is gutted," added Kane. "When you're so close, 10 minutes away, and it slips out of your hands like that, obviously the lads are devastated. We did so well for 60 minutes. We scored and deserved to be ahead, then we struggled to keep the ball, struggled to put pressure on the ball, and it allowed them to create more momentum and chances in the final third. We're going to have to find out how we can improve in those situations. It's been probably the missing piece now for probably the past four or five tournaments."

England have now lost in the semi-finals in two of the past three men's World Cups and were beaten in the European Championship finals in 2021 and 2024. Defender Dan Burn, who came on as a second-half substitute when England were still ahead, expressed his devastation. "Gutted. Absolutely gutted," said the Newcastle player. "We nailed the gameplan pretty well. To go 1-0 up... then we got too passive, conceded too many crosses and too many chances. When you're playing a team of that quality, it is going to cost you. This will haunt me for a long time, I think."

England's tournament run and next match

England had produced resolute displays in the previous two rounds, beating Mexico 3-2 in the last 16 despite playing most of the second half with 10 men, then holding on to defeat Norway 2-1 in the quarter-finals. Asked why Thomas Tuchel's side could not continue that form against the holders, Burn said: "I don't know. It is human nature [to be nervous] when you're that close to doing something you haven't done since '66 and be in a final. Argentina have done that and got that confidence. The last few games we have been able to defend the box so well. We thought we could do that again, but we weren't as tight in the box as we would have liked." Burn added: "I am still very proud of what we have done at this World Cup. I don't think anyone really gave us a chance. We have done a lot of good, and honestly I thought we were going to do it."

Kane has scored six goals at this World Cup and could still win the Golden Boot in the third-place match, though both Messi (who had assists for both Argentina goals) and France's Kylian Mbappe are on eight. Midfielder Jude Bellingham has also scored six goals for England at the tournament. England must now prepare for Saturday's third-place play-off against France (22:00 BST), which will be broadcast live on the BBC.