Adrian Durham: Lionel Messi brutally brought England back to reality after top five magical World Cup moments

The dust has settled on England’s devastating World Cup exit.

Thomas Tuchel’s side were beaten 2-1 by Argentina in the semi-finals in Atlanta on Wednesday night, extending their 60 years of hurt.

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Late goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez saw the defending champions set up a final meeting with Spain.

Meanwhile, the Three Lions face a third-place play-off against France after their run to the last four, live on talkSPORT.

Despite their defeat to Argentina, the England squad gave both their fans in the USA and back home a memorable summer.

However, how did the biggest moments from their tournament match up to the reality of the situation?

talkSPORT’s Adrian Durham has revealed the most contrasting ‘Instagram vs Reality’ aspects from England’s World Cup.

Here is Durham’s top five…

5. Connection with fans after Croatia win

INSTA – It was a special moment, one that was repeated multiple times in the tournament, and when you support England and don’t win trophies, it’s about the moments.

That connection provided wonderful moments for the fans and players during the tournament.

REALITY – It was all rendered meaningless when Tuchel and the players gave Lionel Messi the ball, they gave Messi time, and they stopped playing football in the semi final.

The connection was proved to be meaningless, the players didn’t fully understand what the fans wanted.

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4. Dan Burn

INSTA – Dan Burn wiping out a Norwegian at the end of the quarter-final victory in Miami.

A cult hero, he defended like a lion against Mexico and Norway.

REALITY – Even though Tuchel picked 3 strikers, we ended our tournament with Dan Burn up front and Ezri Konsa desperately trying to learn how to cross a ball on the job.

3. Djed Spence’s semi-final tackle

INSTA – It was brilliant, Perfectly timed and it had to be.

REALITY – It just delayed the inevitable defeat

2. Jude Bellingham

INSTA – Jude Bellingham’s performances were exceptional.

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He was player of the tournament until the semi-final.

REALITY – He couldn’t do what Messi did – drag his inferior teammates over the line.

1. Winning at the Azteca

INSTA – It was a very special night, dramatic, heroic, and a huge result.

REALITY – Any spirit gained from that night disappeared in the second half in the Atlanta semi-final.