Late goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez meant yet more heartbreak for the Three Lions and another near miss for this current crop of stars.
England reached the semis in the 2018 World Cup, for the first time since 1990, and former boss Gareth Southgate then led his team to the finals of UEFA Euro 2020 and 2024.
Respective defeats to Italy and Spain in those finals, either side of a 2022 World Cup quarterfinal loss to France, spelled the end of Southgate's tenure as Thomas Tuchel took charge at the start of 2025.
Despite failing to break the long cycle of hurt, Tuchel is expected retain his place ahead of Euro 2028, and former England star Daniel Sturridge believes the team are right on the verge of a trophy.
"Since 2018, this is statistically the greatest generation we've produced since 1966. Two finals, two semi-finals and one quarterfinal across five major tournaments.
"No trophy yet, but they've made us believe again. I'm proud of them and their time will come."
England will now take on France in the controversial third place playoff on Saturday July 18 followed by the start of their Nations League campaign in September up against Spain and Czechia.