England are set to make a late call over the fitness of key figure Declan Rice as they gear up for a massive World Cup semi-final against Argentina.
Rice was forced off early in the quarter-final win over Norway having been struggling with illness, and has also dealt with a hamstring issue during the course of this tournament. His possible absence from the semi-final in Atlanta would have been a huge blow, but it appears that the midfielder is likely to be available to Thomas Tuchel – who also faces selection headaches defensively with Reece James perhaps coming under consideration for a start after his recovery from his own hamstring problem.
The encounter will be the latest chapter in a storied World Cup rivalry, though England and Argentina have not met in a fixture of any kind since a friendly in 2005. Security has been increased in Atlanta for their first meeting in 21 years. It means Lionel Messi will take on Tuchel’s side for the first time – though goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has insisted that they risk letting others hurt them if they focus overly on the Argentina captain.
Follow all of the latest ahead of England vs Argentina with our live blog below:
England vs Argentina will be the ultimate Falklands grudge match
Ihave the uncomfortable feeling that many otherwise patriotic British people – perhaps rather too many of them – would happily trade the Falkland Islands in a heartbeat for a place for England in the final of the World Cup.
Obviously, as a devoutly cakeist nation, we’d rather that we beat the Argentinians fair and square on the pitch, as we once did in the South Atlantic.
But, if faced with the choice of ending 60 years of hurt or coming to a sensible sovereignty-sharing arrangement with Buenos Aires to resolve a long-running colonial dispute, well… who wouldn’t prefer to see Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, Jordan Pickford and the lads lifting the gleaming Jules Rimet trophy? All this – and a bank holiday, too.
England receive Declan Rice fitness boost on eve of World Cup semi-final with Argentina
A big boost ahead of tomorrow’s clash.
World Cup 2026 power rankings
England are into the World Cup semi-finals – but how do they stack up among the rest of the remaining four nations?
We started at 48, and we’re down to a quartet of big hitters. Here are our semi-final power rankings:
What is it like to face Lionel Messi? Inside the mind of Argentina’s genius as England finally find out
For the first time in his career, Lionel Messi will take on England. What makes him so good? Miguel Delaney goes inside the mind of Argentina’s genius.
Nico O’Reilly relishing ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ Lionel Messi challenge
England defender Nico O’Reilly is backing himself to come through the “once-in-a-lifetime” task of marking Lionel Messi and turning his dream of winning the World Cup into reality.
“I can’t wait,” O’Reilly told BBC Radio 5 Live. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“He’s coming towards the end of his career. For me personally, he’s the best player to ever touch a football pitch. And yeah, I can’t wait for the challenge.”
He added on talkSPORT: “I know there’s a bit of history there, and I know they’re going to be fired up for it. So I think we just match their energy, match their passion, and go even harder.
“But yeah, of course, they have some great players. They’ve got Messi, in my opinion, he’s been the best player in world football. I can’t wait to play against him.
“A big challenge, big task, but I believe in myself, and yeah, we’ll see what happens. I guess we’ll see on Wednesday.”
Follow Spain vs France LIVE
The build-up is underway to the first semi-final as Spain and France battle for a place in football’s biggest game. You can follow LIVE coverage from Dallas here:
Harry Kane accuses media of trying to create division in England camp
Could Reece James start?
Reece James came on for Declan Rice in the Norway quarter-final, initially in midfield before shifting to right-back. Thomas Tuchel will surely consider starting the Chelsea defender as he looks to combat Argentina’s dynamic forward line – and James has declared himself ready to go.
