Atlanta Stadium serves as the stage for the second World Cup semi-final this Wednesday, as England and Argentina rekindle a rivalry that has remained dormant for 21 years. The victor will secure a spot in Sunday's final at MetLife Stadium to face Spain, who successfully booked their place on Tuesday after a 2-0 victory over France. Oyarzabal’s 22nd-minute penalty and Porro’s 58th-minute strike secured Spain’s dominant win in Dallas.
This encounter carries immense historical weight, marked by iconic moments such as the Hand of God, the Goal of the Century, and clashes involving Rattin in 1966 and Owen in 1998. Historically, England has won six of the previous 14 meetings, losing only twice. Conversely, Argentina has maintained an unbeaten record in all five of their previous World Cup semi-final appearances.
For England, Thomas Tuchel faces a few personnel challenges. Jarell Quansah is suspended, and Jordan Henderson remains sidelined with a broken wrist. However, Declan Rice has fully recovered from a stomach illness and is confirmed to start. Reece James is expected to return to the right-back position, while Bukayo Saka is likely to start following his decisive cameo against Norway. Harry Kane is set to earn his 121st cap, surpassing Wayne Rooney as England’s most-capped outfield player in history.
Argentina’s manager, Lionel Scaloni, is managing fatigue rather than injuries. Cristian Romero, who exited the quarter-final against Switzerland at half-time of extra time, may be replaced by Facundo Medina. Scaloni faces a selection dilemma between Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez to partner Lionel Messi up front. While reports suggested a potential back-three formation, sources close to the team consider it unlikely, with the midfield quartet of Paredes, De Paul, Fernandez, and Mac Allister expected to remain. This match marks the first time in Messi’s career that he has faced England.
England enters the match having won six of their seven tournament games, with a draw against Ghana being their only slip. Jude Bellingham has been central to their knockout success, scoring twice against both Mexico and Norway. Argentina has been equally impressive with six wins in six matches, scoring 17 goals. Despite a scoreless outing for Messi in the quarter-final, the team has managed three goals in each of their last four games. The match will be broadcast live in the United Kingdom on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with coverage commencing at 19:00 BST.
Spain confirmed their place in the final on Tuesday, beating France 2–0 at Dallas Stadium — Oyarzabal’s 22nd-minute penalty and Porro’s 58th-minute strike ending France’s tournament in dominant fashion. England and Argentina now know what awaits the winner.
Tuchel is without the suspended Jarell Quansah and the injured Jordan Henderson, who remains sidelined with a broken wrist. Otherwise, the squad is fit. Declan Rice has fully recovered from the stomach illness that restricted him to 45 minutes against Norway and is confirmed to start.
