One of football’s greatest rivalries returns to centre stage on Wednesday evening as England and Argentina meet in Atlanta for a place in the World Cup final.

From 1966 to 1986 and beyond, the fixture has produced some of the most iconic moments in football history. Now, two decades after their last meeting, the old adversaries are reunited with the biggest prize in international football once again within touching distance.

England stand one win away from reaching their first World Cup final since lifting the trophy on home soil 60 years ago. Argentina, meanwhile, are attempting to defend their crown and maintain a remarkable record of never having lost a World Cup semi-final.

England continue to find a way through adversity

England’s route to the last four has been anything but straightforward. A mixed group-stage campaign was followed by a narrow escape against DR Congo before Thomas Tuchel’s side produced one of the performances of the tournament to eliminate hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca.

Their quarter-final against Norway proved equally dramatic. Twice England found themselves under pressure from the tournament’s surprise package, but Jude Bellingham once again delivered when his country needed him most. The Real Madrid midfielder struck twice as the Three Lions eventually prevailed after extra time to continue their march towards history.

England have now reached four major tournament semi-finals since 2018, matching the total they had managed across the entirety of their previous history.

There are, however, concerns that cannot be ignored. Defensive vulnerabilities have surfaced repeatedly throughout the tournament, and Tuchel was openly dissatisfied with aspects of his team’s performance against Norway despite progression.

Selection issues remain at right-back, where Jarell Quansah remains suspended and Reece James is still struggling for full fitness. Jordan Henderson’s tournament is over following wrist surgery, while Declan Rice will hope to recover fully after illness affected his performance in the previous round.

At the other end of the pitch, England continue to possess genuine match-winning quality. Harry Kane is preparing to become the most-capped outfield player in England history, while Bellingham’s recent scoring form has elevated him into the Golden Boot conversation alongside his captain.

Argentina’s champions refuse to surrender their crown

Argentina’s title defence has often felt chaotic, but never close to ending. Lionel Scaloni’s side needed extra time to overcome Cape Verde before producing a stunning comeback from 2-0 down against Egypt in the round of 16. Switzerland then pushed the holders all the way before Julian Alvarez’s extra-time winner finally settled another bruising knockout encounter.

The common theme throughout has been resilience. Argentina have now won 13 consecutive matches and remain unbeaten in World Cup football since their famous opening defeat to Saudi Arabia four years ago. During that run, they have scored at least twice in every match, underlining an attacking consistency few international sides have ever achieved.

Lionel Messi remains the driving force behind it all. The captain leads the Golden Boot race with eight goals and continues to produce extraordinary numbers on football’s biggest stage. His assist against Switzerland took him into double figures for goal involvements at consecutive World Cups, another remarkable achievement in a career already overflowing with them.

Scaloni’s biggest selection decision concerns who partners Messi in attack. Both Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez have made compelling cases for inclusion, while Thiago Almada’s impact from the bench against Switzerland may also force his way into the manager’s thinking.

Defensively, Argentina have occasionally looked vulnerable, but their experience in navigating difficult knockout matches continues to prove invaluable.

Verdict

Few World Cup semi-finals arrive carrying so much history and so many narratives. England have shown resilience and attacking quality throughout the tournament, but they have also looked vulnerable defensively and have repeatedly relied on moments of brilliance to survive difficult situations.

Argentina have endured scares of their own, yet there remains an almost inevitable quality about the holders whenever knockout football reaches its decisive moments. The experience of winning the tournament in 2022 and the presence of Messi continue to provide an edge that is difficult to quantify.

The battle between England’s midfield and Argentina’s front line could ultimately determine the outcome, but this feels destined to be another tight, emotional and memorable encounter between two old rivals.

Tip

Both teams to score

England have scored at least twice in each of their last four victories, while Argentina have found the net three times in each of their last four matches. With Kane, Bellingham and Messi all in outstanding form, goals at both ends look highly likely in Atlanta.