Historic rendezvous in Atlanta: the eternal England-Argentina rivalry

One of football's greatest rivalries returns to the World Cup stage after a 20-year absence. In the tournament's second semifinal, England and reigning champions Argentina will go head to head at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Wednesday. The winner of the clash, refereed by Ismail Elfath, will face the victor of France-Spain in Sunday's final; the loser heads to Saturday's third-place match in Miami.

The rivalry's archive is filled with legend: the 1966 quarterfinal, Maradona and the "Hand of God" night in 1986, Beckham's revenge penalty in 2002... England have won 6 and Argentina 2 of the 14 meetings; in the most recent rendezvous, in November 2005, England prevailed 3-2. The most striking detail belongs to the star of this chapter: Lionel Messi will face England for the first time in his career — his record of 27 goals in 35 matches against English club sides makes for a chilling statistic for the Three Lions.

England are chasing their first final since their 1966 triumph. Thomas Tuchel's side have travelled a demanding route: Harry Kane played rescuer against DR Congo, Mexico were toppled 3-2 with ten men in Mexico City, and in the quarterfinal Norway were beaten 2-1 in extra time after falling behind, thanks to Jude Bellingham's brace. Twelve of the team's 13 goals have come from Kane (6) and Bellingham (6). Jordan Henderson, who underwent wrist surgery, is out of the tournament; Declan Rice, withdrawn at half-time against Norway due to illness, has recovered and is expected to return to the XI.

On Argentina's side, history is chasing repetition: La Albiceleste are contesting their sixth semifinal and have never lost at this stage. Unbeaten in 12 World Cup matches since their opening defeat at Qatar 2022 and scoring at least twice in each, the reigning champions have reached 17 goals at this tournament. Cape Verde and Switzerland were toppled in extra time; against Egypt, they entered the final 10 minutes 2-0 down and won 3-2. Alongside Messi, the Golden Boot leader on 8 goals, the only question mark is the Julián Álvarez-Lautaro Martínez choice.

Probable lineups
England (4-2-3-1): Pickford; James, Konsa, Guehi, O'Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane
Argentina (4-4-2): E. Martínez; Molina, Romero, L. Martínez, Tagliafico; De Paul, Paredes, Fernández, Mac Allister; Messi, Álvarez

Image: Goal