Heartbreak in Atlanta: England 1-2 Argentina — What a Summer It Was

Well. We promised we'd never say the F word, and now we never have to.

England 1-2 Argentina. Ten minutes into the second half, Anthony Gordon put us in front and every living room in the country levitated. And then Lionel Messi — 39 years old and still operating on a different plane to everyone else — decided it wasn't to be. He teed up Enzo Fernández to equalise on 85 minutes, then swung in the cross for Lautaro Martínez to head the winner in stoppage time.

Stoppage time. Of course it was stoppage time.

Proud is an understatement

Sit with the whole picture for a second, because it was some ride: the 3-2 thriller against Mexico, THAT Bellingham night against Norway in extra time, and last night going toe to toe with Messi's Argentina until the 92nd minute of a World Cup semi-final. There is no shame anywhere in that. Heads high, lads — and thank you. It was a joy from start to finish. x

So what happens on Sunday?

The final is Argentina vs Spain, this Sunday 19 July — the two best teams of the tournament, in fairness. We'll be watching as heartbroken neutrals with unreasonably strong opinions about referees. If Messi lifts it at 39, even we might manage a small clap through the tears.

And the shop?

The World Cup corner of the shop has been lovingly packed away — until the next tournament, probably; we make no promises, we're still emotional. But here's the thing about weddings: they don't stop for football.

• Hen season is in full swing — the matching hen do tees have been keeping us very busy
• Personalised bridal pyjamas for getting-ready mornings are, as ever, the most-loved thing we make
• And there's a little sale on right now, if you need cheering up. We certainly did this morning.

Thanks for watching with us this summer — the watch parties, the tees, the near-heart-attacks. It was lovely while it lasted, wasn't it? See you at the next one. x