England and Argentina are ready to renew an historic World Cup rivalry as the two nations battle for a place in the final.
Spain await the winners of mouthwatering meeting in Atlanta between two sides that have shared plenty of memorable moments at this tournament over the last 60 years. Thomas Tuchel has been given a huge fitness boost after declaring Declan Rice fit to start the semi-final, but the England manager has decisions to make defensively as he bids to combat Lionel Messi – facing England for the first time in his career – and the rest of the attacking array at the disposal of the defending champions.
Can England advance to a men’s World Cup final for the first time since 1966? A politically-charged encounter could well be in store with security increased at the Atlanta Stadium, while Tuchel and Harry Kane have both hit out at suggestions of a rift in camp. They, and Argentina, now know it will be Spain in the final after the European champions comprehensively shut down France to book their spot in New York on Sunday. Who will join them?
Follow all of the latest ahead of England vs Argentina with our live blog below:
Atlanta police increase security for England vs Argentina World Cup semi-final
Atlanta police have stepped up their security measures in anticipation of potential fan clashes in the city today as England and Argentina supporters mingle. Luke Baker has the story.
England and Argentina’s epic rivalry is much deeper than just football
Wondering to what history Thomas Tuchel might be referring? Miguel Delaney chronicles the England-Argentina rivalry, storied at World Cups but extending rather deeper off the field…
Thomas Tuchel says Argentina ‘fuelled by history’ ahead of England clash
Thomas Tuchel says gritty England are ready to face an Argentina team “fuelled by history” as his side look to create their own by reaching a second World Cup final.
All eyes will be on Atlanta for what is sure to be a fiery last-four clash between these historic rivals, when the German coach is seeking to set up a Sunday showpiece against Spain.
This is England’s fourth World Cup semi-final and Tuchel is looking to lead them to a first men’s final since Sir Alf Ramsey’s heroes lifted the trophy in 1966.
Reigning champions Argentina stand in their way, with dramatic previous encounters and tensions over the Falklands War in 1982 feeding into a side willing Lionel Messi onto another global title.
“I know some of the players, I coached some of the players, I can sense it,” England boss Tuchel said. “You can see it. They have this kind of edge.
“You can sense it when they’re going a goal down, and when matches are tight. They’re a tough team to beat. It’s just what it is. They’re a tough group.”
Inside Thomas Tuchel’s relationship with Jude Bellingham at the heart of England’s World Cup
The relationship between coach and star player can be a complex one – and Thomas Tuchel and Jude Bellingham haven’t always seen eye-to-eye. Miguel Delaney examines the pair’s past and present.
Thomas Tuchel clears the air with Jude Bellingham after ‘unfair’ question: ‘It’s blown up in the media’
Declan Rice’s availability will please Thomas Tuchel; continued questions over his relationship with Jude Bellingham will not. Tuchel has cleared the air with the midfielder after what he described as an “unfair” situation as the pair jousted in separate TV interviews following the win over Norway.
Thomas Tuchel confirms Declan Rice ‘ready to start’ against Argentina after illness
There’s good news overnight for England supporters – Declan Rice is seemingly fit to start after overcoming the illness that has bothered him in the last week or so.
The truth about England v Argentina and where a chaotic World Cup semi-final will be decided
Big game. Big day. Miguel Delaney sets the scene from Atlanta:
England vs Argentina LIVE
A very good morning. How are we feeling? For England and Argentina, a potentially defining day is here, with old World Cup foes preparing to renew a special, storied and significant rivalry in a semi-final battle in Atlanta. Spain await the winner – and we’ll have all of the latest ahead of kick off at 8pm BST tonight…
