KANSAS CITY, Missouri — England’s tenacious run through the World Cup has earned them a semi-final showdown with Argentina, a matchup steeped in decades of rivalry and drama. For Thomas Tuchel’s squad, the reward for outlasting Norway 2-1 in extra time is a date with the reigning world champions — and a shot at reaching the final for the first time in 60 years.
The day after their hard-fought victory over Norway, England turned their attention to a familiar foe. The two nations have clashed five times at previous World Cups, producing some of the tournament’s most memorable and controversial moments.
This marks England’s second semi-final appearance in the last three World Cups. They were eliminated by Croatia in extra time at the 2018 tournament in Russia. Their sole trip to a World Cup final dates back to 1966, when they claimed the trophy on home turf.
Throughout this tournament, England have shown a knack for survival, coming from behind twice during the knockout stage to keep their campaign alive. Tuchel says that fighting spirit has become a hallmark of his side.
“They just refuse to give in. They just refuse to accept a defeat,” Tuchel said. “They overcome setbacks. They put a shift in. There is not one 1% complaint about that.”
Still, the coach was quick to note that the team has not yet reached its ceiling.
“To overcome adversity and find ways to win is on the absolutely highest level,” he said. “We found a way, we’re in the last four, which is the most important thing. But I still think we can and have to play better football.”
Much of England’s success has been fueled by captain Harry Kane and midfielder Jude Bellingham, who have each scored six of the team’s 13 goals — making them the first pair of teammates to each reach that total at a single World Cup. Bellingham heads into the semi-final in Atlanta on a torrid run, having found the net four times in his last two matches.
“World-class performance from a world-class player in big, big moments,” Tuchel said. “Absolute top class.”
Forward Noni Madueke suggested Bellingham’s brilliance is simply business as usual for the Real Madrid star.
“It’s unbelievable what he’s doing,” Madueke said. “It’s very normal though for him.”
The match against Norway pushed England to their physical limits, with players battling cramps and illness in brutal heat. Tuchel disclosed that midfielder Declan Rice, who was absent for the second half Saturday, had spent most of the three days prior to the game sick in bed. Despite the rough conditions, Madueke said the only thing that matters is the result.
“Listen, if we play like this and win the next two games, I don’t mind. I’m not bothered,” he said.
The history between these two nations at the World Cup is rich and complicated. England defeated Argentina in both 1962 and 1966, but the 1986 tournament in Mexico saw Diego Maradona’s infamous “Hand of God” goal — along with a breathtaking solo effort — lead Argentina to victory. In 1998, Argentina edged England on penalties in the round of 16, a match remembered for Michael Owen’s stunning goal and David Beckham’s red card. Beckham had the last laugh in 2002 in Japan, converting a penalty to give England a 1-0 group-stage win.
England’s most recent major tournament semi-final had a happier ending — a 2-1 win over the Netherlands at Euro 2024, secured by a late goal from Ollie Watkins, which sent them to the final. Now they face Lionel Scaloni’s world champions with a berth in the 2026 World Cup final on the line.
Tuchel acknowledged that the emotional weight of international tournament football is unlike anything he has encountered managing club teams, but said he wouldn’t trade the experience for anything.
“I feel very alive in these moments,” he said. “This is where I want to be. I don’t want to be anywhere else in the world.”
Powered by the brilliance of Kane and Bellingham and a growing conviction that they can weather any storm, England will be hoping that feeling carries them at least one match further.
