England have nothing to fear from toiling champions Argentina in bid to reach first World Cup final for 60 years
England is preparing to face Argentina in the 2026 World Cup semi-finals, with both teams having struggled through difficult knockout stages. Despite Argentina's status as defending champions, England is viewed as a strong contender to reach their first final in 60 years.
Why it matters
It captures the high-stakes narrative of international football and the shifting power dynamics between traditional global powerhouses.
It's testament to the progress that England have made over the last decade that, in the eyes of many, they will be favourites when they come up against World Cup holders Argentina in the semi-finals of the 2026 edition on Wednesday. Of course, a side containing the great Lionel Messi still poses an existential threat to the Three Lions' chances of ending six decades of hurt, but Thomas Tuchel's men have nothing to fear in Atalanta.
Despite being counted among the pre-tournament favourites, the two nations have mirrored each other in terms of their dramatic, nerve-shredding progress through the knockout rounds. England laboured to a late victory over unfancied DR Congo and Argentina required another 30 minutes to get the better of minnows Cape Verde in the last 32.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in