Line up expectations, statistics and where to watch the World Cup semi-final between the rivals
Both camps have tried to downplay the historical importance of the World Cup semi final between England and Argentina but there is no doubt that there is something more to this game.
The two nations fought in 1982 over the Falkland Islands and Argentina’s fans continue to refer to the disputed territory in the South Atlantic. Even Argentina’s players could be heard singing about the Falklands after their win over Switzerland on Saturday.
Sports competition is also controversial.
In 1966, Argentina captain Antonio Rattin refused to leave the field after picking up two yellow cards in three minutes of the first half against England at Wembley, meaning the game was held up for eight minutes. Afterwards, Three Lions manager Alf Ramsey described the Argentine side as “animals”.
In 1986, the infamous ‘Hand of God’ allowed eventual winners Argentina to advance to England and into the semi-finals of the World Cup. The goal itself was a handball by Diego Maradona, the former Napoli and Barcelona star, into the net. Maradona then added a brilliant second, picking up the ball on the halfway line and dribbled past England’s defense before rounding goalkeeper Peter Shilton.
Then in 1998, the World Cup meeting in St Etienne was tied 2-2 when David Beckham beat Diego Simeone. The Argentine midfielder went down clutching his leg and Beckham was sent off by referee Kim Milton Nielsen. Argentina went on to win on penalties and Simeone later admitted “the referee fell into a trap”.
That political and sports environment explains another part of the tension in this meeting with Atlanta police on guard with thousands of fans from both countries expected to pour into the city in the next 48 hours.
Argentina’s manager, Lionel Scaloni, tried to play down the event, insisting: “This is a football game. We will be playing against a strong opponent; they have a good coach, a game of football, and that’s all.”
That message was echoed by experienced England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. “I think it’s just that [important to] we are only focused on ourselves as England and it is still within our power to beat another top country,” said the Everton stopper.
“We have to face them for a place in the final, and it’s a football game — [whether it is] 90, 120 minutes, or penalties.
“We’re ready for anything, and it’s us against them and it’s about who comes out on top. We’re fully prepared for that.”
Both sides have enjoyed periods of fortune in reaching this stage. England can count themselves lucky that Norway had a goal scored by Erling Haaland from Elliot Anderson when they won 2-1 on Saturday.
Argentina has had more than one decision in its favor. Star player Lionel Messi was sent off after throwing his sticks into the lap of Algeria captain Aissa Mandi in their first match. Messi was released and scored a hat-trick to win 3-0. Algeria filed a complaint with FIFA.
Another North African side felt they had a hard time when Egypt were denied a goal against Argentina in their round of 16 match. Their frustration was compounded when Mohamed Salah saw a penalty awarded just before Enzo Fernandez scored for the defending champions.
In the quarter-finals, Argentina was struggling to defeat Switzerland until Breel Embolo was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for acting. Sceloni’s boys won 3-1 in extra time.
England v Argentina team news
The biggest concern for England surrounds key midfielder Declan Rice. Rice was taken off at half-time against Norway and coach Thomas Tuchel later revealed that the Arsenal man had spent three days in bed with a bug.
There is also the issue of who starts at right back. Reece James has returned to training but it would be dangerous to throw him into a game of this nature. Ezri Konsa is favorite to sit with John Stones alongside Marc Guehi in midfield. Jarell Quansah is suspended.
Bukayo Saka is expected to replace Noni Madueke on the right in England’s attack.
Like England, Argentina are yet to find top gear and Scaloni tested a five-man defense in training on Monday. If he decides to go with that in Atlanta, Rodrigo De Paul will come off the bench with Nicolas Otamendi coming in.
It is still possible, however, that it will be a more unchanged team than the one that saw off Switzerland after extra time.
England v Argentina is predicted to be played
England: Pickford; Konsa, Stones, Guehi, O’Reilly; Rice, Anderson, Bellingham; Saka, Gordon, Kane
Argentina: E Martinez; Molina, Romero, L Martinez, Tagliafico; Paredes, De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernandez; Alvarez, Messi
Where to watch England v Argentina: TV and streaming online
England v Argentina kicks off on Wednesday night at 8pm UK time. You can watch it on BBC One and stream it on BBC iPlayer.
England v Argentina stats
- England have won six of their last 14 meetings with six draws (including 1986, a match Argentina won on penalties)
- Among teams that have played 3+ times in the World Cup, Argentina only has a lower win rate against Italy (0%), Germany (14.3%), and the Netherlands (16.7%) than it did against England (20% – W1, D2, L2).
- This is Argentina’s sixth World Cup semi-final. They have reached the final in the last five.
- The coach of England, Thomas Tuchel, aims to become the fourth manager to reach the finals of the World Cup with a country other than his own country.
- Argentina has scored 2.6 goals in 90 minutes in this World Cup. England won 2.1.
- Both teams have conceded 0.9 goals in 90 minutes in this World Cup.
