- England is set to face long-standing rivals Argentina in a World Cup semi-final on Wednesday at 8pm, live on BBC One, with a place in Sunday's final at stake.
- The fixture is steeped in rivalry due to controversial World Cup encounters in 1986 (Maradona's 'Hand of God') and 1998 (David Beckham's red card), though England won their last World Cup meeting in 2002.
- England are considered slight favourites by UK betting sites, despite a less convincing performance against Norway, while Argentina's defence has conceded six goals in their last four matches, but they possess the formidable Lionel Messi.
- Lionel Messi, who has never faced England, is a significant threat with eight goals and two assists in the Golden Boot race, while England's Harry Kane, with 73 goals this season, is expected to be a key scorer alongside Jude Bellingham.
- Declan Rice is expected to be fit for England despite illness, while Argentina's manager Lionel Scaloni faces a decision on who partners Messi in attack, with betting predictions favouring England to progress.
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