Glen Johnson says Spence 'was not smart' as VAR ignores Messi foul in England's World Cup exit

England’s World Cup campaign ended in a 2-1 semi-final defeat to Argentina at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Wednesday, with Lautaro Martinez heading home a stoppage-time winner that left Thomas Tuchel’s side and their supporters furious over a VAR decision that never came.

Anthony Gordon gave England the lead in the 55th minute, but rather than pressing for a second goal, Tuchel’s men retreated into a low block to protect a slender advantage — a decision that would prove costly with roughly 40 minutes still to play. Argentina’s relentless attacking quality eventually told. Enzo Fernandez levelled with five minutes remaining, finishing clinically from the edge of the area after being given too much space by John Stones, Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers.

Martinez then delivered the knockout blow two minutes into stoppage time, beating Stones and Ezri Konsa at the back post to head Argentina into the final.

The controversy centred on the move that led to the winner. After Alexis Mac Allister struck the post, the ball broke loose and Djed Spence and Lionel Messi raced to collect it. Spence appeared to make clean contact with the ball, but Messi’s trailing boot caught the England full-back’s foot in the process, leaving Spence visibly hobbling. Messi recovered possession on the flank and whipped in the cross that Martinez converted.

England players immediately protested to referee Ismail Elfath, and supporters were quick to point out that Egypt had a goal ruled out against Argentina in the quarter-finals for a similar incident. No VAR review was triggered.

Former England right-back Glen Johnson, who earned 54 caps for the Three Lions, suggested Spence’s instinct to play on may have worked against his team. Speaking exclusively to Mirror Football, Johnson said: “Credit to Djed for getting back to his feet. Sometimes you need to be smarter. I do think we sometimes need to match teams for the way they set up, the way they are aggressive.”

Johnson’s comments reflect a broader frustration around England’s tactical approach in the second half — a willingness to absorb pressure rather than extend their lead that ultimately handed the initiative back to the reigning World Champions. Whether the foul on Spence warranted VAR intervention remains a matter of fierce debate, but the outcome is not: Argentina advance to the final, and England are heading home.