+ England–Argentina, tonight, 9:00 p.m.
Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
TV4/TV4 Play/Radio Sporten.
+ The road to the semifinals
Both England and Argentina are coming into the semifinals on the back of dramatic quarter-final outings. England were forced into extra time against Norway, with Jude Bellingham scoring the winning goal in a 2–1 victory three minutes into the first half of extra time. Argentina also needed extra time to settle their match against Switzerland. Julián Álvarez made it 2–1 in the 112th minute, before Lautaro Martínez sealed the victory with a last-minute goal to make it 3–1.
+ The fight for the top scorer
The race for the World Cup's top scorer continues in the semifinals. Despite Lionel Messi being kept scoreless in the quarter-finals, the Argentine has scored eight goals. Both England's star striker Harry Kane and midfielder Jude Bellingham have six goals, and all three are said to be keen to improve their tally and help lead their team to the World Cup final.
+ Messi's first England match
The semifinal will be the first time that 39-year-old Lionel Messi faces England in a national team match.
"I've faced everyone except England, and that's something special because it's a great football nation and a powerhouse in football. It's always fun to face a team like that, especially in a World Cup semifinal," Messi said after the match against Switzerland, according to AFP.
+ Historical meetings
Previous matches between the teams have been eventful. The 1998 World Cup saw England and Argentina meet in the round of 16. At that time, a 23-year-old David Beckham was cast as the main scapegoat for being sent off in the second half with the score at 2–2, even though England held on and lost 4–3 in the penalty shootout. The following club season, Beckham was booed during virtually every away match when he played for Manchester United in the Premier League.
The 1986 World Cup quarter-final between England and Argentina is best remembered as the match in which Diego Maradona scored with his hand, also known as the “Hand of God.” Maradona also scored a solo goal that is considered one of the most spectacular goals in World Cup history. Argentina also won that match 2–1.
+ Quansah is still missing
England centre-back Jarell Quansah was sent off in the round of 16 against Mexico, with FIFA's disciplinary committee ruling that his offence was so serious it warranted a two-match ban. Having missed the quarter-final against Norway, Quansah will also be unavailable for the semifinal against Argentina.
+ Rice in good condition
Teammate Declan Rice was a doubt for the quarter-final after being isolated from the team due to illness. The Arsenal midfielder started against Norway despite everything, but was substituted at half-time.
At the press conference before the match against Argentina, national coach Thomas Tuchel said that Rice has recovered "as well as possible" and is ready to start in the semifinal, writes AFP.
