Both camps have attempted to play down the historical significance of the World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina but there is unquestionably an extra edge to this encounter.
The two nations were at war in 1982 over the Falkland Islands and Argentina’s fans make continual reference to the disputed territory in the South Atlantic. Even Argentina’s players were heard chanting about the Falklands after Saturday’s win over Switzerland.
The sporting rivalry is no less controversial.
In 1966, Argentina captain Antonio Rattin refused to leave the field after collecting two yellow cards in three first-half minutes against England at Wembley, meaning the game was held up for eight minutes. Afterwards, Three Lions boss Alf Ramsey described the Argentine side as “animals”.
In 1986, the infamous ‘Hand of God’ enabled eventual winners Argentina to squeeze past England and into the World Cup semi-finals. The goal itself was a handball from Diego Maradona, the former Napoli and Barcelona star punching the ball into the net. Maradona then added a brilliant second, picking the ball up on the halfway line and dribbling past the England defence before rounding goalkeeper Peter Shilton.
Then in 1998, the World Cup meeting in St Etienne was level at 2-2 when David Beckham flicked out at Diego Simeone. The Argentina midfielder went down clutching his leg and Beckham was sent-off by referee Kim Milton Nielsen. Argentina went on to win on penalties with Simeone later admitting “the referee fell into the trap”.
That political and sporting backdrop explains the added element of tension to this encounter with police in Atlanta on high alert with thousands of fans from both countries expected to converge on the city over the next 48 hours.
Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni attempted to play down the occasion, insisting: “This is a football game. We will be playing against a very tough opponent; they have an excellent coach, it is a football game, and that is all.”
That message was echoed by England’s experienced goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. “I think it’s just [important to] solely focus on us as England now and us being at our best to beat another top nation,” said the Everton stopper.
“It’s us against them to get a place in the final, and it’s a game of football — [whether it is] 90 minutes, 120, or penalties.
“We’re ready for anything, and it’s us against them and it’s about who comes out on top. We’re fully prepared for that.”
Both sides have enjoyed moments of fortune in reaching this stage. England can count themselves lucky that Norway had a goal ruled out for a push by Erling Haaland on Elliot Anderson during their 2-1 victory on Saturday.
Argentina have had more than one decision go in their favour. Star man Lionel Messi was let off a red card after raking his studs down the Achilles tendon of Algeria captain Aissa Mandi in their opening game. Messi was let off and went on to score a hat-trick in a 3-0 win with Algeria putting in an official complaint to FIFA.
Another North African team felt hard done to when Egypt had a goal disallowed against Argentina in their round-of-16 clash. Their frustration was compounded when Mohamed Salah saw a penalty shout dismissed shortly before Enzo Fernandez scored the winner for the defending champions.
In the quarter-finals, Argentina were struggling to break down Switzerland until Breel Embolo was sent-off after receiving a second yellow card for simulation. Scaloni’s men went on to win 3-1 in extra-time.
Team news for England v Argentina
England’s main concern surrounds key midfielder Declan Rice. Rice was taken off at half-time of the game against Norway with coach Thomas Tuchel later revealing the Arsenal man had spent three days in bed with a bug.
There is also the issue of who starts at right-back. Reece James has returned to training but it would be a risk to throw him into a game of this magnitude. Ezri Konsa is the favourite to occupy the berth with John Stones alongside Marc Guehi in the centre. Jarell Quansah is suspended.
Bukayo Saka is expected to replace Noni Madueke on the right of England’s attack.
Like England, Argentina have yet to hit top gear and Scaloni tested a five-man defence in training on Monday. If he decides to go with that in Atlanta, then Rodrigo De Paul would drop to the bench with Nicolas Otamendi coming in.
It remains likely, though, that it will be an unchanged team from the one that saw off Switzerland after extra-time.
Predicted line-ups for England v Argentina
England: Pickford; Konsa, Stones, Guehi, O’Reilly; Rice, Anderson, Bellingham; Saka, Gordon, Kane
Argentina: E Martinez; Molina, Romero, L Martinez, Tagliafico; Paredes, De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernandez; Alvarez, Messi
Where to watch England v Argentina: TV and online streams
England versus Argentina kicks off on Wednesday night at 8pm UK time. You can watch it on BBC One and stream via BBC iPlayer.
Stats for England v Argentina
- England have won six of 14 previous meetings with six draws (including 1986, a game Argentina won on pens)
- Among the teams they have played 3+ times at the World Cup, Argentina only hold a lower win rate against Italy (0%), Germany (14.3%), and the Netherlands (16.7%) than they do against England (20% – W1, D2, L2).
- This is Argentina’s sixth World Cup semi-final. They have reached the final from each of the previous five.
- England boss Thomas Tuchel is aiming to become the fourth manager to reach a World Cup final with a nation other than their home country
- Argentina have scored 2.6 goals per 90 minutes at this World Cup. England have managed 2.1.
- Both teams have conceded 0.9 goals per 90 minutes at this World Cup.
