Heralded as one of the most significant confrontations in international football history, England’s team narrowly overcame Norway in a tense match, and now they are focused on their upcoming semi-final showdown against Argentina. Following a lively night in Miami, the players spent Sunday recuperating at their Kansas City base in anticipation of the Wednesday encounter.
Thomas Tuchel’s squad is set to challenge the reigning champions in what promises to be a highly charged atmosphere in Atlanta, vying for a place in the final against either France or Spain.
This match will mark the first competitive meeting between England and Lionel Messi, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players ever and is likely participating in his final World Cup. The last competitive clash occurred during the 2002 World Cup in Japan, when David Beckham converted a decisive penalty.
Beckham, who serves as president and co-owner of Inter Miami, was present at the game in Miami along with his wife, Victoria, and family members. He was seen joyfully singing along to ‘Hey Jude’ after England’s two-goal star, Jude Bellingham, shone on the pitch. Beckham also took the opportunity to train with some of England’s players, including captain Harry Kane and Declan Rice, at Inter Miami’s training facility in Fort Lauderdale prior to the match.
“I’m so proud of the team tonight reaching the semi-final of the World Cup and to celebrate with my family was so special … Thank you England for giving our country these moments.” Beckham shared on Instagram. “a misunderstanding among our players”
Bellingham once again proved pivotal in England’s 2-1 triumph, scoring the winning goal in extra time following Norway’s initial lead through Andreas Schjelderup. His equalizer before halftime sparked controversy, as replays suggested a goal-kick from Norway struck an overhead cable during the buildup. However, FIFA stated that sensors indicated the ball had not made contact, a claim disputed by Norway’s coach, Ståle Solbakken, who argued it led to confusion among his players.
After the match, Tuchel expressed dissatisfaction with his team’s performance, suggesting they were “maybe he doesn’t know what it’s like to play in those kind of conditions against Erling Haaland, [Martin] Ødegaard, [Antonio] Nusa, [Alexander] Sørloth” despite becoming only the fourth manager in history to guide England to the World Cup semi-finals, joining the ranks of Alf Ramsey, Bobby Robson, and Gareth Southgate.
Bellingham responded fiercely to Tuchel’s comments, asserting that “I’m enjoying it a lot. I feel very alive in these moments. I enjoy it a lot but having a knockout match every three, four days is a new level of demand and a new level of emotional rollercoaster. I admit that. So I also need a bit of time now. We will give the players [Sunday] full recovery and our preparation for the match with the staff starts at the latest in the afternoon.” hinting at the manager’s limited experience as a player following an early retirement at 25 due to injury.
With Tuchel having signed a contract extension until 2028 before the World Cup, he must navigate this situation with one of his key players ahead of the crucial match against Argentina. Nonetheless, the 52-year-old conveyed his enjoyment of the competition, having led England to their first major tournament since their 2024 European Championship final defeat to Spain under Southgate.
“Las Malvinas, por Diego [Maradona] and por la ultima de Leo [Messi]” Tuchel remarked. “for the Falklands, for Diego and for Leo’s last”
Argentina secured their semi-final berth by defeating ten-man Switzerland in Kansas City, where they have been based. Post-match dressing room footage revealed players chanting a controversial song referencing the Falklands War and vowing to win the World Cup “for Las Malvinas, por Diego [Maradona] and por la ultima de Leo [Messi],” which translates to “for the Falklands, for Diego and for Leo’s last.”
This upcoming match will be the sixth World Cup encounter between England and Argentina, but notably the first at this stage. England achieved victory during the 1962 group stage and in the 1966 quarter-finals after the Argentine captain, Antonio Rattín, received a red card at Wembley. His passing was announced on Saturday at the age of 89. However, the most notorious clash occurred in 1986 at the Azteca Stadium, where England triumphed over the co-hosts in the last 16. In that match, Maradona infamously scored the ‘Hand of God’ goal before sealing the victory with an extraordinary solo effort. Argentina later triumphed in penalties in 1998 after Michael Owen’s goal and Beckham’s dismissal, followed by Beckham’s penalty winner four years later.
As the two nations prepare to meet in Atlanta, both sets of supporters are expected to make their presence felt. After over 15,000 England fans attended the recent match in Miami, many are planning to remain in the U.S. Reports indicated minor altercations with Argentina supporters on Miami’s South Beach following the Norway match, and authorities in Georgia are on alert for possible tensions in the days leading up to the game, given the large influx of Argentine fans.
