Argentina vs England World Cup semi-final Wednesday
Argentina vs England in the World Cup semi-final Wednesday
This is the one. Argentina face England in the World Cup semi-final on Wednesday at 8pm UK time, with a place in the 2026 final at stake (1).
Lionel Scaloni was asked directly about the weight of the occasion, and the Maradona shadow that hangs over every Argentina–England meeting. A reporter put it to him: "This won't just be a special game from a footballing standpoint, but also in an emotional sense. How do you imagine you and the players will come out for this game and what message would you give to all of us Argentines?" (1)
Scaloni's full answer is making waves back home.
Messi's first World Cup semi-final against England
Lionel Messi has never faced England in a World Cup knockout match. He gets that moment Wednesday night, at 39 years old, with a final on the line (3). It is a contest that goes beyond tactics, one framed as a battle of will and aura against an England side missing two years of evolution under Thomas Tuchel since their Euros win (3).
Reece James set to start for England
England are expected to hand Reece James a starting role for the semi-final (4). The Chelsea right-back has been in and out of the XI this tournament but looks set to be tasked with slowing down Argentina's left side.
17 goals and counting
Your team has scored 17 goals across this World Cup campaign so far (2). BBC Sport compiled every one of them ahead of the semi-final. The goals are spread across the squad, and the attacking output has been relentless from the group stage through to the last four.
Fan reactions
Mac Allister's name is doing the rounds among Liverpool supporters, with a BBC interview resurfacing where he talked about his best position. "I feel like maybe the number eight position, also double number six, is my best position, but I can play anywhere," Mac Allister said. The thread on r/LiverpoolFC is asking whether he might finally get that role under the new manager next season. You can read the full discussion here.
Sources
- 1. theguardian.com — ‘For Diego’: spectre of Maradona looms over Argentina ahead of England clash
- 2. bbc.co.uk — All of Argentina's goals from the World Cup so far
- 3. theguardian.com — Lionel Messi’s first meeting with England will be a contest of will and aura
- 4. theprideoflondon.com — Reece James expected to start for England against Argentina