Burn left 'numb' by England's World Cup defeat

Dan Burn admits he was left ‘numb’ by England’s defeat to Argentina in the FIFA World Cup semi-final.

The Three Lions took the lead in Atlanta after Anthony Gordon’s second-half goal, with the prize of a place in the World Cup Final for the first time 1966 in their sights.

But late goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez saw the game swing back into Argentina’s favour to send the defending champions into Sunday’s final against Spain.

"When you come to within ten or 15 minutes of a World Cup Final and then don't get it done, it hurts,” said Burn.

"I thought we'd nailed the game plan up until we scored, we knew what Argentina were going to do and I thought we dealt with it pretty well.

"But we got a little bit passive after the goal and defended a little bit too deep and with the quality of chances Argentina were creating, it felt like a matter of time.

"We conceded too many crosses and too many chances and it's hard because in the previous games we've defended those so well.

"So to get that close and not do it, it's very sad.”

As the squad left Atlanta to return to their World Cup base in Kansas City following the game, the result was pretty raw for all involved.

But the Newcastle United defender spoke of his pride at what England had achieved in their World Cup campaign.

"I'm very gutted right now, but I’m very proud of what the team's done. I don’t think anyone gave us a chance coming into this,” he added.

"That brotherhood that was spoken about took us a long way and if I'm being completely honest, I thought we were going to do it.

"I had the feeling that this was our time, but I think Argentina showed why they're the world champions, they've been there and they've done it and that's seen them through.

"When you get to this level, it's very, very fine margins and they've taken their chances.

"I was in shock at the end, and I still feel pretty numb at the moment. When you come within 15 minutes of a World Cup Final at 1-0 up, you want to see that out. It's something we'll have to digest over the next few days.”

England will be back in action on Saturday, when they take on France in the third-place play-off game in Miami, with the game scheduled for 10pm BST.