England v Argentina: The Semi-Final We've All Been Waiting For

England v Argentina: The Semi-Final We've All Been Waiting For

Tuesday night in Atlanta brings us one of the great World Cup ties. England and Argentina go head-to-head for a place in the final, and honestly, it's hard to imagine a bigger clash – two footballing giants, both with something to prove, both packed with world-class talent.

The road to the semis

England haven't exactly swept aside the opposition under Thomas Tuchel, but they've shown real grit. They got through a tricky group, saw off Mexico in the last 16, then had to dig deep against Norway in the quarters. Down to Andreas Schjelderup's screamer, they came back thanks to a Jude Bellingham brace – including a extra-time winner – to win 2-1. It's their first semi-final since 2018, and it says a lot about how far this team has come in the knockout stages.

Bellingham has been the star of the show, popping up with big goals when it matters. Harry Kane isn't quite at his sharpest, but he's still a handful, and the defence – marshalled by John Stones and Jordan Pickford – has mostly done its job.

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Argentina, the reigning champions, have had a bumpier ride. Lionel Messi, now 39, is still somehow finding moments of magic. They needed extra time to beat Switzerland 3-1 in the quarters, with Julian Alvarez scoring an absolute worldie before Lautaro Martinez wrapped it up. They've looked shaky at times, but they've got that champion's know-how – they find a way to win, even when it's not pretty.

The big names to watch

This one's a dream for football fans:

- Jude Bellingham (England) – The 23-year-old Real Madrid star is playing the best football of his career right now. When the big moments come, he's the one England turn to.

- Harry Kane (England) – England's all-time top scorer and captain. His movement and link-up play will give Argentina's defence plenty to think about.

- Lionel Messi (Argentina) – Even at 39, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner can still turn a game on its head with one moment of brilliance. England will need a plan for him – without switching off to everyone else.

- Julian Alvarez (Argentina) – The Manchester City man has been superb all tournament, and his goal against Switzerland was one of the best of the whole competition.

Throw in the likes of Declan Rice and Phil Foden for England, or Alexis Mac Allister and Lautaro Martinez for Argentina, and you've got strength in depth on both sides too.

How it might play out

Expect a proper tactical battle. England like to keep the ball and stretch teams wide, while Argentina are dangerous on the counter and lethal from set-pieces.

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- Midfield battle – Bellingham against Argentina's midfield could decide the game. England may press high; Argentina might sit back and look to hit them on the break.

- Defensive worries – Neither side has been watertight at the back. England will need to keep tabs on Alvarez's runs, while Argentina will fancy their chances against England's attacking full-backs.

- The heat – Atlanta in July won't be easy, especially with both teams already having played extra time in the last round.

Tuchel's likely to keep things fairly solid and might tweak his set-up to try and shut Messi down. Scaloni's Argentina, meanwhile, thrive on grit and self-belief – they know how to grind out a result.

A rivalry with history

England and Argentina don't play each other all that often, but when they do, it tends to be memorable – think Maradona's "Hand of God" and that wonder goal back in 1986. This time round, there's fresh history on the line: England chasing a first title since 1966, Argentina looking to defend their crown and add another chapter to the Messi story.

What's on the line

The winners go through to the final on 19 July. The losers face whoever comes through the other semi (likely France or Spain) in the third-place play-off. For England, reaching a final would be a huge statement. For Argentina, it would confirm their place among the game's elite once again.

There's a bit of everything in this one – youthful flair against experienced brilliance, tactical intrigue, and bags of passion on both sides. Football fans everywhere will have this one firmly in the diary.

Prediction: Too close to call, but expect goals. Wouldn't be a shock to see a 2-2 draw after 90 minutes before it's settled in extra time. Best team wins on the night.

Come on England – but hats off to a brilliant Argentina side too. This is exactly why we love the World Cup.