England stars held back in ugly World Cup scenes as Argentina spark controversy with banned act

Morgan Rogers needed to be held back by his England teammates following Thursday’s semi-final loss to Argentina.

The Three Lions star was fuming as Thomas Tuchel’s men crashed out of the World Cup at the hands of the 2022 champions.

Substitute goalkeepers Dean Henderson and James Trafford tried to diffuse the situation after a gritty meeting in Atlanta.

Rogers wasn’t the only England player to take umbrage with the Argentina squad.

Jude Bellingham also needed to be pulled away from the action by unused substitute Ollie Watkins.

Aston Villa star Rogers was a surprise starter against Argentina, featuring off the right at the expense of Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke.

It was Rogers, though, who provided the assist for Anthony Gordon’s opener 10 minutes after the restart.

Argentina’s players later celebrated their semi-final win by unfurling a controversial banner that read “The Malvinas are Argentine”.

Tottenham skipper Cristian Romero was among the players seen holding the banner.

FIFA’s Stadium Code of Conduct bans “banners, flags, flyers, apparel and other paraphernalia that are of a political, offensive, and/or discriminatory ​nature” inside stadiums.

The sovereignty over ⁠Falkand Islands islands has ​been a long-running sore in relations between the countries.

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Earlier, Lionel Messi engineered a spectacular comeback for Argentina to keep the defending champions on track for back-to-back titles.

Thomas Tuchel’s men were within minutes of England’s first World Cup final for 60 years before succumbing to relentless pressure from Lionel Scaloni’s team, who won 2-1.

It sets up a mouthwatering contest between reigning European champions Spain and South American champions Argentina in NewJersey on Sunday.

Anthony Gordon fired England ahead in the 55th minute but Argentina refused to be beaten, pouring forward in waves and forcingtheir opponents back.

Enzo Fernandez smashed home an equaliser from Messi’s assist 30 minutes later but still they were not done.

Substitute Lautaro Martinez then rose to head home Messi’s cross in stoppage time to complete the comeback and England ranout of time.

It is a bitter blow for the Three Lions, who have come so close at recent major tournaments but have been unable to get overthe line.