World Cup today: England poised for seismic semi-final clash with Argentina

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleEngland and Argentina are preparing to renew their historic World Cup rivalry in a semi-final match in Atlanta, with the victor set to face Spain in the final. England manager Thomas Tuchel confirmed Declan Rice is fit to start and lauded Lionel Messi's exceptional tournament performance, while also dismissing suggestions of a rift with Jude Bellingham, asserting there are 'no cracks'. Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has sought to de-escalate any political tensions surrounding the game, stressing it is a football match and should not be conflated with past historical events such as the Falklands War. Tuchel acknowledged the iconic nature and significance of the encounter but stated England are concentrating on controllable aspects on the pitch, aiming to disregard historical context and emotional involvement. Culture secretary Lisa Nandy is travelling to the US to attend the match, and Sir Keir Starmer intends to go to the final if England qualify, while Downing Street remains uncommitted regarding a potential bank holiday should England win the World Cup. The game kicks off at 8pm BST (3pm ET).In fullEngland v Argentina LIVE: Fans descend on Atlanta as historic rivalry renews in massive World Cup semi-finalMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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