England on collision course with Messi and Argentina in World Cup semi-final grudge match
England's football team is preparing for a high-stakes World Cup semi-final match against Argentina in Atlanta. The team, led by manager Thomas Tuchel, is coming off a quarter-final victory against Norway.
Why it matters
The match is highly anticipated due to the historical rivalry between the two nations in international football.
Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane and Dan Burn soak up the celebrations after England’s quarter-final win in Miami. Photograph: Martin Rickett/PA Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane and Dan Burn soak up the celebrations after England’s quarter-final win in Miami. Photograph: Martin Rickett/PA World Cup 2026 England on collision course with Messi and Argentina in World Cup semi-final grudge match First competitive game between teams since 2002 World Cup
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Prefer the Guardian on Google It has been billed as one of the biggest grudge matches in the history of international football. After England’s players rode their luck against Erling Haaland’s Norway on a steamy night in Miami, they spent Sunday recuperating at their base in Kansas City as thoughts turn to facing Argentina in the World Cup semi-final on Wednesday.
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