England is set to compete against Argentina in a highly anticipated World Cup semi-final, with the winner earning a spot against tournament favorites Spain.
Both teams advanced past the quarter-finals with thrilling extra-time victories. For England, talisman Jude Bellingham played a crucial role in their win against Norway, while Julian Alvarez scored a spectacular goal that helped Argentina, the defending champions, narrowly defeat 10-man Switzerland.
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This matchup revives a historic rivalry deeply rooted in historical tensions, both on and off the field, as England seeks to avenge the heartbreaking penalty shootout loss from 1998 and move one step closer to clinching the World Cup title.
Additionally, this semi-final marks the first time Lionel Messi will face England, despite having represented Argentina 205 times across his illustrious 21-year career.
Here’s what you need to know.
When is England vs Argentina and how can I watch?
The semi-final is scheduled to be held at Atlanta Stadium, Georgia, on Wednesday, July 15, with kickoff at 8 PM BST (3 PM ET).
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
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Confirmed line-ups
England XI: Pickford, James, Stones, Guehi, Spence, Rice, Anderson, Rogers, Bellingham, Gordon, Kane.
Substitutes: Trafford, D Henderson, O’Reilly, Konsa, Saka, Rashford, Chalobah, Burn, Mainoo, Watkins, Madueke, Eze, Toney.
Argentina XI: E. Martinez, Molina, Romero, L. Martinez, Tagliafico, Paredes, Simeone, Fernandez, Mac Allister, Messi, Alvarez.
Substitutes: Musso, Rulli, Senesi, Montiel, Barco, Lo Celso, Palacios, Gonzalez, Almada, De Paul, Paz, Otamendi, Lopez, Lautaro Martinez, Medina.
Morgan Rogers, Reece James, and Djed Spence will start for England in this crucial World Cup semi-final matchup against Argentina tonight.
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Aston Villa midfielder Rogers, 23, has only made one start in the tournament, in the final group match against Panama, but he showed great promise coming off the bench against Norway in the quarter-finals.
Now starting on the right wing, Rogers takes the place of Noni Madueke, which means Bukayo Saka will again begin the match on the bench.
Manager Thomas Tuchel has a nearly fully fit squad, with Declan Rice recovered and ready to play alongside Elliot Anderson in midfield.
However, there are some surprises in the full-back positions, with James and Spence replacing Ezri Konsa and Nico O’Reilly, respectively.
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James returned from injury during the quarter-final against Norway, while Spence made an impression as a substitute in that match.
Argentina team news
Giuliano Simeone will start in place of Rodrigo De Paul, making the only change to Argentina’s lineup. Simeone is the son of Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone, who was famously involved in an incident with David Beckham during the teams’ World Cup clash in 1998.