England prepare for World Cup semi-final against Argentina in Atlanta
England are set to face Argentina in a World Cup semi-final, a match being described as their most significant since the 1966 final. The encounter will take place at the Atlanta Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 20:00 BST on 15 July. This fixture reignites a long-standing rivalry between the two footballing nations, marked by historical moments and controversies.
Under coach Thomas Tuchel, England aim to reach their first men’s World Cup final in 60 years. The team’s journey to this stage follows previous semi-final appearances in 1990 and eight years ago in Russia, as well as two losses in European Championship finals. Tuchel expressed confidence in his squad, noting the energy and ambition within the camp, stating, “We now want to squeeze the last bit out. We want to take the next step.”
Historical Rivalry and Key Players
The history between England and Argentina adds a unique dimension to this semi-final. Notable past encounters include the 1966 World Cup quarter-final, where Argentina captain Antonio Rattin was sent off, and the 1986 quarter-final, remembered for Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal. Other significant matches include the 1998 last-16 game, where David Beckham received a red card, and a 2002 group stage match where Beckham scored a winning penalty.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni acknowledged the emotional weight of this history, stating, “We all have stories from that past time and history and it all makes it very emotional.” Tuchel also recognised the rivalry, saying, “It is a very big rivalry between two big footballing nations. I could say the history is irrelevant but I’m not sure. The players are aware of it.”
For Argentina, Lionel Messi remains a central figure. Despite being 39, Messi has continued to demonstrate his skill, inspiring his team throughout the tournament. He has scored eight goals and provided two assists, playing a crucial role in Argentina’s progression. Tuchel praised Messi’s impact, describing him as “incredible” and “the leader and the key player in any team he plays for.”
Meanwhile, England’s attack has largely been spearheaded by Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, who have accounted for 12 of the team’s 13 goals in the World Cup. Marcus Rashford scored the other goal in the opening 4-2 win against Croatia. This reliance on Bellingham and Kane highlights their strong form.
Tactical Considerations and Team News
Former player Jamie Carragher suggested that England could look to exploit Messi’s defensive vulnerabilities. He noted that Messi often conserves energy when the opposition has possession, which could create opportunities for England. Carragher commented, “He walks about when the opposition have got the ball, so that doesn’t mean England’s left-back should stand next to him for the whole of the game. They can exploit the fact that Argentina only defend with nine outfield players.”
Carragher also expressed hope that the semi-final would be an open game, similar to England’s match against Croatia, allowing Tuchel’s side to capitalise on an opponent that seeks to attack. He believes that Argentina’s full-backs pushing high could also create space for England to exploit.
Regarding team selection, Carragher advocated for Bukayo Saka to start on the right flank, despite concerns about his fitness. He argued that in such a crucial match, Tuchel should select the best available players without reserving them for a potential final. Saka has been struggling with his fitness, but Carragher believes that if he is deemed fit enough, he should play.
Tuchel’s direct approach has been a topic of discussion, particularly after his comments following the quarter-final against Norway. Carragher defended Tuchel’s critical assessment of England’s performance, stating that there was “nothing wrong at all” with his remarks. He added that Tuchel’s honesty is a strength, necessary for a manager in a World Cup setting where quick decisions and clear communication are vital. The match is scheduled for 15 July.
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Source: bbc.com
