James is a Senior Editor for GIVEMESPORT with over eight years of experience in the industry. After graduating from the University of Southampton in 2016 with a degree in history, he joined the company as an Academy member in July 2017 and, after a short time working as a freelancer, was given a full-time role in February 2018. He primarily covers the biggest stories in the football world but is also comfortable reporting on a variety of other sports including darts, golf, Formula 1, tennis, boxing and athletics. He has covered some massive events during his time at GIVEMESPORT, including numerous Champions League and World Cup finals, as well as the Olympics in 2020 and 2024.
Argentina and England will renew their rivalry when they go head-to-head on Wednesday to contest their 2026 World Cup semi-final.
Argentina have, arguably, ridden their luck on their run to the final four. They needed extra-time to beat Cape Verde in the last 32, scored three late goals against Egypt in the last 16, and again needed extra-time to defeat Switzerland in the quarter-final.
England have also been unconvincing at this summer's tournament. They scraped through against DR Congo in the last 32, narrowly defeated Mexico in a thriller in the last 16, and then needed extra-time to beat Norway in the quarter-final.
The match between the two sides at Atlanta Stadium promises to be a heated encounter, given their history both on and off the pitch.
Argentina and England have played out some dramatic World Cup matches. In 1986, Argentina beat England after Diego Maradona's infamous 'Hand of God' goal. While in 1998, David Beckham was sent off against La Selección for kicking out at Diego Simeone.
There are also tensions between the two nations off the pitch due to the Falklands War in 1982. The war is mentioned in the popular song 'La Cuarta Estrella', which Argentina's players and fans have sung continuously throughout the tournament.
Lionel Scaloni Gives Thoughts on Argentina vs England Rivalry
In his pre-match press conference, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni was asked about their rivalry with England. He was asked: "It's going to be a special match, not only football-wise, but also emotionally. How do you imagine you and your players will experience this match? And what message can you give to the Argentines that are anxiously waiting?'
Scaloni responded:
“It's a football match, ok? The message is this is a football game. That is what I can say. Let's not look for anything else. it's a football match. We are going to play a football match against a great national team, which has a great manager [Thomas Tuchel], whom I appreciate and admire a lot. And it's a football match. There is nothing more to it than that."
Scaloni's answer has been posted on Reddit and England fans are praising him for his comments.
One England fan said: "That's such a breath of fresh air. I think a lot of people, even around here, need to get that message through their heads", while another stated: "How refreshing. Good for him."
A third wrote: "Massive respect for him saying this. Well done," while a fourth commented: "That’s how people need to start answering journalists going forward! This is brilliant!"
Lionel Scaloni Praises Argentina Side Ahead of Semi-Final
Scaloni also revealed just how proud he is of his side for their efforts this tournament. He said, per the Guardian:
“What this team has achieved is historic, even though we could have played better. It’s historic to be in a semi-final again. It’s a privileged space in football, not an easy feat. We’re happy and excited now, and we will try to make it to the end with every last drop of sweat.”
Meanwhile, Argentina forward Jose Lopez vowed that Argentina will 'leave their lives on the field' in their match against England. He said:
“Obviously inside and outside the four lines of the pitch, it’s a match that has a lot of history there, a lot of pain and a lot of things behind it. I think we are professionals and we’re going to play it like we play every game: until the last second, leaving our lives on the field.”
The victor will play either France or Spain in the World Cup final on Wednesday, July 15.
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