De Paul sets the tone as Argentina begin England prep without Messi

De Paul on the semi-final that still moves him

Rodrigo De Paul is not hiding from what Wednesday means. Speaking ahead of Argentina's World Cup semi-final against England, the midfielder described the moment in personal terms, a tone that matches what Scaloni has been telling the squad (1). De Paul also opened up about what it feels like to see Argentina in back-to-back semi-finals. He is the engine room, and he sounds locked in.

Messi and starters sit out Monday's session

Lionel Messi was not on the training pitch Monday as Argentina began preparations for England (3). Other starters joined him on the sidelines, part of a planned rest day after the quarter-final win over Switzerland 3–1 (5). The mood in Kansas, where the squad gathered, was relaxed, Messi was all smiles later as the group enjoyed a lighter day (4).

Bellingham carrying a shoulder issue

Jude Bellingham is dealing with a shoulder problem that could complicate England's semi-final plans (6). No decision yet on whether it limits him Wednesday. For Argentina, it is one more variable in a matchup that already had plenty.

Kane: England were sloppy, we will be better

Harry Kane did not sugarcoat it. England beat Norway 2–1 in their quarter-final but the captain admitted the performance was below standard and promised more against Argentina (8). Thomas Tuchel was visibly frustrated after that match, and Kane backed his manager's reaction.

Mac Allister's Liverpool future in the spotlight

While Argentina chase a second straight World Cup, Alexis Mac Allister's club future is generating noise back in England. Reports out of Liverpool suggest his place at Anfield is being assessed as he breaks records on the international stage (2). Nothing concrete yet, but the timing is notable.

Fan reactions

Argentina fans are deep in nostalgia this week. One post resurfaced Messi's infamous 2005 debut red card against Hungary, and the image of a 27-year-old Scaloni, then a right-back, immediately getting in the referee's face to protest the decision. The full-circle nature of it has supporters emotional. Meanwhile, the 2022 quarter-final against the Netherlands keeps coming up as the gold standard for semi-final drama, and several fans expect a physical, scrappy affair when England and Argentina meet with decades of history between them. See the full thread