England’s World Cup dream faces its biggest test yet tonight as Thomas Tuchel’s men lock horns with reigning champions Argentina in a blockbuster semi-final at Atlanta Stadium.Kick-off is 8pm BST, with a place in Sunday’s final against Spain on the line. England arrive full of confidence after edging past Norway 2-1, while Argentina battled through against Switzerland. Jude Bellingham heads into the clash as England’s leading scorer with six goals, level with Harry Kane, while Lionel Messi has lit up the tournament with eight strikes for La Albiceleste.The rivalry needs no introduction – from the Hand of God to Beckham’s red card and Michael Owen’s wonder goal, these nations have produced some of football’s most unforgettable moments.England are chasing a first World Cup final since 1966, while Argentina are bidding to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to retain the trophy. Expect fireworks.
England and Argentina’s rivalry explained
Few rivalries in world football carry as much history – or as much bad blood – as England versus Argentina. From Diego Maradona’s infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal and stunning solo effort in 1986 to David Beckham’s red card in 1998 and Michael Owen’s unforgettable wonder strike, these clashes have rarely lacked drama. The tension stretches beyond football, with the Falklands War adding extra emotion whenever the two nations meet. Argentina have won three World Cups, England one, but every encounter feels like a final. Tonight, another explosive chapter is set to be written.Read more here.
England’s route to the semi-final
England beat Norway on Saturday to set up a semi-final showdown with Argentina | GETTYEngland’s road to the World Cup semi-finals has been anything but straightforward. The Three Lions kicked off the knockout stages with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over DR Congo before surviving a full-blooded last-16 thriller against Mexico, eventually coming out on top 3-2. Their biggest statement arrived in the quarter-finals, where they stunned Norway 2-1 to book a mouth-watering showdown with Argentina. Thomas Tuchel’s side have scored seven goals across three knockout matches and shown they can win ugly as well as entertain. Now just one victory separates England from a first World Cup final appearance since that famous triumph in 1966.
England without two players
Jarel Quansah was sent off for England in their World Cup clash with Mexico | GETTYEngland will also have to do it the hard way without two squad members. Veteran midfielder Jordan Henderson remains sidelined after suffering a broken arm in a freak post-match accident following the last-16 victory over Mexico, robbing Thomas Tuchel of leadership and composure in the middle of the park. Defender Jarell Quansah is also unavailable after FIFA handed him a controversial two-match suspension for his red card against Mexico, ruling him out of both the quarter-final and tonight’s semi-final. The ban has sparked debate, but Tuchel has insisted England have enough strength in depth to cope as they bid to book a date with Spain in Sunday’s final.