England is set to meet Argentina in the World Cup semi‑final, a clash that pits two of the tournament’s most storied nations against each other in a bid to end a six‑decade wait for a championship.
The English side has built its run on resilience and determination, qualities that have shone through in each knockout encounter. Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have each found the net six times in the competition, with Bellingham arriving in ominous form after scoring four goals in his last two matches.
Manager Thomas Tuchel acknowledges that his team’s ability to bounce back from setbacks defines their tournament character, even as he admits there is still room for improvement. Midfielder Declan Rice missed the second half of the Norway game due to illness, a reminder of the thin margins that can shape a campaign.
England’s path to the last four has not been straightforward. They edged Norway 2‑1 in extra time, a victory that marked their second semi‑final appearance in the past three editions, the first since the 1966 final on home soil. Prior to this, their most recent major semi‑final triumph came against the Netherlands at Euro 2024.
Historical context adds extra intrigue: England and Argentina have met five times at World Cups, and the winner will secure a place in the 2026 final. For Argentina, the reigning champions, the stakes are equally high as they look to defend their title under Lionel Scaloni.