England have a chance to return to the World Cup finals for the first time since 1966 as they face defending champions Argentina in the semi-finals.
England’s performance was a stark contrast to the shock they showed when they beat Mexico in the last 16 at the Estadio Azteca, and things won’t get any easier after a tough encounter in the semi-finals.
Date, start time and location
England v Argentina is scheduled for kick-off at 8pm BST on Wednesday 15 July 2026.
This match will be played at Atlanta Stadium.
Where to look: England vs Argentina For free
TV Channel: In the UK, the game will be broadcast live on BBC One, with coverage starting at 7pm BST before kick-off at 8pm.
Live stream: UK viewers can also watch the competition live online via BBC iPlayer.
Live Blog: You can follow all the action on match day. Standard game‘s live blog, with expert analysis from Dom Smith on the ground.
Free highlights: World Cup highlights are available on FIFA’s official YouTube channel, as well as BBC iPlayer, the ITVX app and their websites.
England vs Argentina: Team news
Concerns remain around Declan Rice as he limped off at half-time of England’s win over Norway after struggling with illness in the lead-up to the match. Thomas Tuchel insists that the change was strategic.
Mark Gehey shrugged off injury to start the match, while Reece James came off the bench for the first time since nursing his hamstring in the group stage.
Jerel Kwansa will serve the remainder of his two-match ban in this match and will be available for the final if England qualify.
Tuchel may be tempted to turn around after a gruelling 120 minutes of football in hot and humid conditions against Norway.
England Squad: Jordan Pickford, Dan Henderson, James Trafford, Ezri Konsa, Nico O’Reilly, John Stones, Mark Gehey, Trevo Chalobah, Dan Byrne, Rhys James, David Spence, Jerel Kwansa, Declan Rice, Elliott Anderson, Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson, Morrison, Morrison, James, and Declan Rice. Eze, Bokayo Saka, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon, Ollie Watkins, Noni Maduki, Ivan Toni
Hooked: Declan Rice played just 45 minutes against Norway, although Thomas Tuchel insisted he was fit.
Getty
Argentina has reached this stage of the World Cup without any serious injuries but has survived several scares in the tournament.
Lionel Messi is also expected to be fit despite picking up a knock to the eye against Switzerland, which required treatment at the time. Tottenham defender Cristian Romero was sent for scans last week amid concerns about a shin injury but was cleared and started against Switzerland.
As with Tuchel, Lionel Scaloni may be forced to freshen up his starting XI after their gruelling quarter-final was settled in extra time.
Argentina Team: Juan Musio, Geronimo Rulli, Emiliano Martinez, Marcos Senisi, Nicolas Tagliafico, Gonzalo Montiel, Lisandro Martinez, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Facundo Medina, Nahuel Molina, Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, Valentin Lucio Barco, former Lucio Barco, Valentin Lucio Barco. Gonzalez, Alexis McAllister, Enzo Fernandez, Julian Alvarez, Lionel Messi, Thiago Almada, Giuliano Simeone, Nicolas Paz, Jose Manuel Lopez, Lautaro Martinez
No worries: Lionel Messi will be fit to face England.
Getty
England vs Argentina Prophecy
Both England and Argentina arrive at this point in the World Cup after tumultuous, dramatic campaigns, and the question is which team has weathered the twists and turns of their run better.
Two of Argentina’s knockout ties have gone to extra time and the third required a tiring late comeback, and the odds will surely go to the soon-to-be reigning champions. It seems they are already impressing Messi.
Head-to-head (h2h) history and results
It has been 21 years since England last faced Argentina, winning 3-2 in a friendly in Geneva as Michael Owen scored twice.
This will be their sixth World Cup meeting, but the breakdown is only for the last five clashes. England has won three (1962, 1966, 2002) and Argentina two (1986, 1998).
England vs Argentina: Odds of the match
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