England v Argentina LIVE: Morgan Rogers set to begin as historic rivalry renews in huge World Cup semi-final
England and Argentina are ready to renew an historic World Cup rivalry as the two nations battle for a place in the final.
Spain await the winners of mouthwatering meeting in Atlanta between two sides that have shared plenty of memorable moments at this tournament over the last 60 years. Thomas Tuchel has been given a huge fitness boost after declaring Declan Rice fit to start the semi-final, but the England manager has decisions to make defensively as he bids to combat Lionel Messi – facing England for the first time in his career – and the rest of the attacking array at the disposal of the defending champions.
Can England advance to a men’s World Cup final for the first time since 1966? A politically-charged encounter could well be in store with security increased at the Atlanta Stadium, while Tuchel and Harry Kane have both hit out at suggestions of a rift in camp. They, and Argentina, now know it will be Spain in the final after the European champions comprehensively shut down France to book their spot in New York on Sunday. Who will join them?
Follow all of the latest ahead of England vs Argentina with our live blog below:
How England have fared in past semi-finals
This will be England’s fourth semi-final at a men’s World Cup – remember the other three? Eusebio in ‘66, Gazza at ‘Italia 90, Harry Kane not squaring it in Moscow…
England and Argentina’s epic rivalry is much deeper than just football
Rattin, Maradona, Beckham, Simeone, Owen – there’s a lot of World Cup history to this famous fixture. Miguel Delaney chronicles the England vs Argentina rivalry – on and off the pitch.
England’s potential penalty takers in a World Cup shootout vs Argentina
England and penalties – it’s not always been a happy World Cup relationship, though their shootout record has improved dramatically of late. Lawrence Ostlere looks at who might take one if required against Argentina.
England v Argentina in a World Cup semi-final? It’s going to be agony
England are through to their fourth men’s World Cup semi-final where they meet fierce rivals Argentina on Wednesday night. If you’re new to this, writes Lawrence Ostlere, prepare for pain:
Culture secretary on way to Atlanta to watch England in semi-final
Culture secretary Lisa Nandy will fly to the US today to watch England play Argentina in the semi-finals of the Fifa World Cup tonight, it is understood.
Sir Keir Starmer will watch the game from Downing Street, but he is expected to fly to the US if England make it through to the final.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Should there be a bank holiday if England win the World Cup?
Downing Street to set out bank holiday plans if England win tonight
Downing Street has once again refused to be drawn on plans for a bank holiday if England win the Fifa World Cup.
Pressed on whether he can confirm plans for a bank holiday, the prime minister’s spokesperson told reporters: “This is rather contingent on winning a World Cup first. We’ll set out any response to that in the event we beat Argentina tonight. The PM will be watching the game avidly.”
Thomas Tuchel hails Lionel Messi – but insists England are ready for him
Thomas Tuchel has hailed Lionel Messi’s qualities ahead of England’s first meeting with the Argentina captain – though insists his team are ready for the challenge.
“It’s incredible, his campaign, tournament, how he carries that team, there are just no words,” Tuchel said. “The achievement, quality, responsibility, what he shows in this tournament. He’s just a leader. The key player in any team he plays, for sure in this Argentina side, you see the cohesion, the experience in this tournament football.
“ They are very experienced, a very good coach, they’re together for a long time. They love to play in the middle of the pitch, they love to have the short passes, they’re looking for the gaps, once Messi has the ball, the movements start. The technical execution of the delivery, of Messi, it’s of the highest level. There’s a lot to take care of. We’re here to play our way, impose our style. We’re here to play our way and push the luck our way, we know the obstacle but we’re ready for it.”
What is it like to face Lionel Messi? Inside the mind of Argentina’s genius as England finally find out
Remarkably, today marks the first meeting for England with Lionel Messi – perhaps the greatest player of all time looking to go back-to-back as a World Cup winning captain. Miguel Delaney explains the mentality behind the Argentina No 10’s greatness.
From Tuchel’s outcast to England’s kingpin, how Jude Bellingham silenced his critics at the World Cup
Nine months ago, Thomas Tuchel left out Bellingham and the 22-year-old came under severe criticism. Now he is in the midst of the greatest individual World Cup by an Englishman since 1966, Lawrence Ostlere writes.
