England-Argentina is the second semi-final of the 2026 World Cup. In Atlanta, the ‘Three Lions’ and the ‘Albiceleste’ team, the reigning champions of the world, will face off in one of the longest and most heated rivalries in the history of world championships.

At stake is a place in the grand final on July 19, where Spain has qualified. The losing team will face France for third place.

England-Argentina is the semi-final the whole globe was waiting for. It cannot be defined as the premature final like France-Spain, but the rivalry between these two teams in the World Cup has deep roots and is 64 years old, longer than the Three Lions’ wait for the major title. In 1962 and 1966, it was 3-1 in the groups and 1-0 in the quarter-finals (the match that led to the cards being included), but the more famous precedents are others. Mexico 1986, Argentina-England 2-1; it’s the ‘Hand of God’ match and the goal of the century, the South American rematch for the Falkland Islands/Malvinas. It was more of a political than a footballing success. A double goal, that of Maradona, which gave Argentina the opportunity to qualify for the semi-finals with the Albiceleste, who then lifted the trophy. And 12 years later, in 1998, Argentina qualified for the quarter-finals by eliminating England on penalties.

In short, a World Cup semi-final is never trivial, but England-Argentina is far from that definition. Kane and Bellingham, with the marks of ‘Wonderëall’ and ‘Hey Jude’ seek a rematch which will mean England’s second final in its history, with the Three Lions having achieved their only victory in a World Cup 60 years ago. On the other hand, Argentina will seek the second title in a row, to give Messi the opportunity to win another World Cup and to close the cycle of a team that, considering the age of the players, is in its last chance. For Argentina, England is the first real obstacle seeing its journey in this world that was considered easier even though in the end it was not so. In the game is the big final of New York against a Spain that was able to eliminate the superfavorite France, writes Tch.

In England, Tuchel will again not have Quansah at his disposal, who will only return for one of the two finals. This is how the Konsa-Guehi duo is confirmed. As for the rest of the team, there will be no changes. While in Argentina, after the decisive goal against Switzerland, Julian Alvarez is seen as a candidate to be with Lionel Messi in attack, with Lautaro Martinez on the bench.

Source: prizrenpost