Preparations are underway for England’s seismic semi-final with Argentina as Thomas Tuchel looks to guide the country to a first World Cup final since 1966.
England gritted to a 2-1 extra-time win over Norway in the quarter-finals, Jude Bellingham notching a brace after Andreas Schjelderup’s first-half opener had the Three Lions fearing an exit.
They are now on a collision course towards a clash with holders Argentina and Lionel Messi, who also required extra time to overcome Switzerland last time out.
Rivalries will be restored the two nations steeped in historical tension, both on and off the pitch, with England out to avenge their heartbreaking 1998 penalties defeat in an effort to go one game away from a World Cup title.
Meanwhile, Reece James has expressed his relief and satisfaction at recovering from injury just in time for England’s crucial World Cup semi-final clash against holders Argentina.
Speaking to Lions Den, James reflected on his comeback: "It’s good to be back out there with the boys. Picking up an injury at a tournament is always a race against the clock. I applied myself and happy to be back out there."
Follow all the latest updates, build-up and team news ahead of England vs Argentina in our live blog below:
Read MoreWhy blockbuster World Cup semi-finals could be the best of all time
The two physical factors that may leave Argentina at a disadvantage for World Cup semi-final
Reece James ready for World Cup ‘crunch time’ as he sets his sights on Argentina after injury woes
England vs Argentina latest updates
- England begin preparations for seismic World Cup semi-final against Argentina
- The match kicks off at 8pm BST on Wednesday in Atlanta
- Winner will take on France or Spain in the final who clash on Tuesday
- Reece James provides update after recovering from injury
- Gianni Infantino hints at expanding World Cup to 64 teams
- Miguel Delaney: Why blockbuster World Cup semi-finals could be the best of all time
Golden Boot standings
21:00 , Mike JonesHere’s the latest standings in the race for the Golden Boot at the 2026 World Cup.
The contenders are as follows:
1. Kylian Mbappe (France), 8 goals, (3 assists)
2. Lionel Messi (Argentina), 8 goals (2 assists)
3. Erling Haaland (Norway), 7 goals (0 assists)*
= 4. Harry Kane (England), 6 goals (1 assist)
= 4 Jude Bellingham (England, 6 goals (1 assist)
6. Ousmane Dembele (France), 5 goals (2 assists)
= 7. Vinicius Jr (Brazil), 4 goals (1 assist)*
= 7. Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain), 4 goals (1 assist)
= 7. Ismaila Sarr (Senegal), 4 goals (1 assist)*
*Country has been eliminated
Jude Bellingham hails England character after Norway win
20:40 , Mike JonesJude Bellingham praised his teammates for their will to win, believing that everyone put in a ‘huge shift’..
Bellingham told ITV: "Character, perseverance, we found a way to win a game again, we give all we got, everyone smashed it.
“So proud of this team and getting to a semi-final. It was a victory for everyone, the whole country are behind us. Credit to everyone, it's a huge shift for everyone.”
England were 'fantastic' and 'lucky' says Tuchel
20:20 , Mike Jones"We got lucky," Thomas Tuchel said after England’s win over Norway.
"We made life very, very difficult for ourselves.
“The result is fantastic. We are in the last four. It's amazing but [I am] not happy with the performance - in every sense.
"We made life difficult for us in the way we played and how we played - sloppy, a lot of technical mistakes, not fast enough, not repetitive enough."
Switzerland manager criticises controversial new ‘mistaken identity’ rule after World Cup exit
20:00 , Mike JonesSwitzerland manager Murat Yakin said his side’s World Cup quarter-final was destroyed by the new mistaken identity rule that led to Breel Embolo being sent off in their 3-1 defeat to Argentina.
Embolo was shown a second yellow card when, initially, Leandro Paredes had been cautioned for a challenge on him – only for referee Joao Pinheiro to review the incident and conclude the Switzerland striker had dived.
But Yakin argued it should never have got that far by saying that Paredes should not have been booked for his challenge and that Embolo was left “shattered” by his red card.
Ian Wright hails vital part of Jude Bellingham’s England goal against Norway: ‘Absolute star’
19:40 , Mike JonesJude Bellingham has been hailed as an “absolute star” after his latest goal for England in the World Cup 2026.
Bellingham struck in the second minute of stoppage time in the first half to bring England level after Andreas Schjelderup’s opener for Norway in Miami.
And after Gary Neville described the Real Madrid midfielder as “an absolute star,” following his powerful run and finish for Thomas Tuchel’s side, Ian Wright heaped praise on a key part of the goal.
Wright hails vital part of Bellingham goal against Norway: ‘Absolute star’
Jordan Henderson opens door to shock World Cup semi-final return after freak injury
19:20 , Mike JonesJordan Henderson has refused to rule out a shock return in the World Cup semi-finals after his freak arm break in the celebrations of England’s win over Mexico.
Henderson, an unused substitute in the 3-2 last-16 victory at Estadio Azteca, slipped when attempting to leap over an advertising board after the match and landed awkwardly, with medics urgently rushing over to his aid.
Jordan Henderson opens door to shock World Cup semi-final return after freak injury
Jude Bellingham on pulling level with Harry Kane on six World Cup 2026 goals
19:00 , Mike Jones“Yeah, probably a bit beyond, to be honest,” he said. “I’m a confident boy, but I don’t think you go to bed at night dreaming about games like that.
“So, it’s nice to have an impact and to help my team. But my God, the effort of those lads in there.
“I’m so proud of how they keep battling, regardless of what situations we find ourselves in.
“They can be really proud, and I know they are. And I’ll make sure they feel that as well.”
Erling Haaland reflects on Norway defeat to England
18:40 , Mike Jones“How it is to be Erling Haaland right now, after being in the quarter-finals with Norway and going straight to holiday, it's quite a nice holiday, I'm quite happy with my life, I'm enjoying it and I'm in a good place,” Erling Haaland said.
“It's difficult to take in this kind of show or rollercoaster we've been on for the last six weeks. So many impressions and feelings, it changes Norway, it changes me, I've said many times, we're building something in Norway. It's already built, we're already there now, it's all about maintaining this. We've shown it's possible.
“We've show it's possible to beat one of the biggest nations in the world in Brazil. We gave it a good fight against England, with some decisions differently, it could have been a different thing, at this level, it's the small details.
“I know everything about this, because at Man City it's also about the small details. Normally the best team, you get decisions with you, like when I'm at Man City, normally it goes my way. I'm proud. Every single day now since we qualified. I don't really know what to say anymore because I've spoken so much in the US, I'm getting a bit fed up of it, so now it's time to go on holiday."
The deeper battle behind France and Spain’s World Cup semi-final
18:20 , Richard JollyIt has been called the real World Cup final. Argentina are the reigning champions and ranked second in the world but France and Spain have been the two best teams in the tournament in North America. The winner of their semi-final in Dallas seems likely to start the New York final as favourites.
But France and Spain may be contesting a wider, greater battle. It may be an arbitrary starting point, especially for the latter, but 1998 marked a shift in football.
The deeper battle behind France and Spain’s World Cup semi-final
David Beckham defends Victoria after her unusual World Cup ‘celebration’ goes viral
18:00 , Mike JonesSir David Beckham has dutifully defended his wife after the former Spice Girl’s somewhat subdued reaction to a crucial World Cup moment went viral.
The former Manchester United player, his wife Victoria and three of their four children watched England’s match against Norway from a VIP section of the Miami Stadium on Saturday night (11 July).
David Beckham defends Victoria after her unusual World Cup ‘celebration’ goes viral
Why an emotionally-charged Argentina need to win this World Cup more than you might think
17:39 , Harry Latham-CoyleAs their fans chant about Messi, Maradona and the Falkland Islands, Ed Malyon examines the fears for the future that make this a crucial tournament for the defending champions
Why emotionally-charged Argentina need to win World Cup more than you might think
Argentina to wear change strip for World Cup semi-final
17:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleEngland will be in white for the semi-final clash in Atlanta, with Argentina wearing their alternate dark blue number rather than the familiar stripes. They were also in their away kit in the World Cup wins over England in 1986 and 1998, not that that means anything whatsoever.
Argentina given green light to wear lucky kit against England
17:05 , Mike JonesWorld Cup champions Argentina have been given the green light by Fifa to wear their ‘lucky’ blue away kit when they face England in Wednesday’s semi-final.
They have worn the darker kit once during this tournament, in a 3-1 win against Jordan during the group stage.
The kit change is most likely due to kit regulations and a potential clash with England’s white home kit but Argentinian media are leaning towards superstition.
Argentina defeated England in their blue kit in iconic World Cup matches in 1986 and 1998.
Fifa's preference is for each team to wear its first-choice colours, but if there is a potential clash it will follow steps to ensure an acceptable colour contrast is found.
What is England’s semi-final record? History beckons as Norway victory sets up Argentina World Cup clash
16:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleWednesday’s encounter will be England’s seventh semi-final at a major tournament – here’s a reminder of the previous six...
What is England’s semi-final record? History beckons against Argentina
Is the Falklands War a factor? The geopolitics at play for World Cup refereeing appointments
16:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe legacy of the Falklands War has an impact on refereeing appointments at this World Cup – Kieran Jackson explains why.
Is Falklands War a factor? The politics at play for World Cup refereeing appointments
England vs Argentina will be the ultimate Falklands grudge match
16:35 , Sean O'GradyI have the uncomfortable feeling that many otherwise patriotic British people – perhaps rather too many of them – would happily trade the Falkland Islands in a heartbeat for a place for England in the final of the World Cup.
Obviously, as a devoutly cakeist nation, we’d rather that we beat the Argentinians fair and square on the pitch, as we once did in the South Atlantic.
But, if faced with the choice of ending 60 years of hurt or coming to a sensible sovereignty-sharing arrangement with Buenos Aires to resolve a long-running colonial dispute, well… who wouldn’t prefer to see Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, Jordan Pickford and the lads lifting the gleaming Jules Rimet trophy? All this – and a bank holiday, too.
England vs Argentina will be the ultimate Falklands grudge match
Will England get a Bank Holiday if team wins the World Cup? Potential date revealed ahead of Argentina semi-final
16:20 , Bryony GoochThe government is considering an extra bank holiday if England wins the World Cup, with the final set to take place on Sunday.
It is understood that Friday 24 July has been earmarked for a celebratory bank holiday if England wins the tournament, 60 years after its first and only victory in the competition.
Will England get a Bank Holiday if team wins the World Cup?
Football's police chief urges England fans to behave themselves
16:10 , PAFootball’s chief police officer has praised the behaviour of England fans at the World Cup – and hopes those watching the matches from the UK start to follow their example.
Chief Constable Mark Roberts of Cheshire Police, the UK’s football policing lead, said the conduct of England fans attending Saturday’s quarter-final victory over Norway in Miami was once again “exemplary”.
“The atmosphere during the game was passionate but friendly, with no animosity between fans at the end of the match,” he said.
“It’s a real shame that the same cannot be said about the behaviour of fans back home here in the UK.
“Over Saturday evening, into the early hours of Sunday morning we had over 500 incidents reported, with more than 100 arrests across the country.
“The vast majority of these incidents have been alcohol-related and along with the extended licensing hours, we have seen an increase in calls to premises with big screens that are attracting large numbers of fans.
“This behaviour really is disappointing. Domestically this tournament is the worst one we have seen for number of incidents and arrests. If we can have 40,000 fans together in Miami with no trouble, then why can’t fans follow their exemplary behaviour and do the same back home?
“England are in the semi-finals of the World Cup, the sun is shining and this should be a time for celebration and getting behind the team, not getting involved in fights and causing trouble for UK Policing which is already facing significant demand.
“So ahead of Wednesday’s game I would urge fans back home to follow those leading by example in the US – enjoy the game and atmosphere, go out and have fun but do so without causing problems for yourselves and others.”
Harry Kane urges England to find 'missing piece' at World Cup
16:01 , Harry Latham-CoyleHarry Kane has urged England to find the “missing piece” and get over the line in the quest for World Cup glory, but accepts Thomas Tuchel’s demand for improvements.
Kane’s side booked a semi-final date with Argentina on Wednesday with a hard-fought extra-time win over Norway in Saturday’s quarter-final.
The meeting with Lionel Messi and co. will be England’s second semi-final in three World Cups, following their run to the last four in 2018, while they have been beaten finalists in successive European Championships.
Kane knows it is a golden period in the country’s history but wants to finish the job off and bring some silverware home.
“It’s been an extremely successful era of our national team,” the Bayern Munich striker said. “Of course, we want to get over the line. That is the missing piece now.
“We’re knocking on the door. We’re getting to these semi-finals and finals. It’s a big week. We’ve got eight days left on this tournament.
“We’ve been together six weeks and shown every bit of desire for the badge and we’re going to need an even bigger push now for the last week or so.”
WATCH: The greatest World Cup semi-finals...ever?
15:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleOn the latest episode of Copa Independent, Lawrence Ostlere is joined by Miguel Delaney in Atlanta and Kieran Jackson to preview the World Cup semi-finals: England v Argentina and Spain v France, a last four featuring the top four ranked teams and four previous winners.
England’s win over Norway is assessed through the Miami heat, Jude Bellingham’s form and Golden Boot push, Harry Kane’s fatigue, Declan Rice’s fitness, Tuchel’s substitutions, and the Tuchel–Bellingham media flashpoint.
They also explore the deep history and political context of England–Argentina, Messi facing England for the first time, and the tactical contrast of Spain’s positional play against France’s attacking freedom, plus how rest days and VAR could shape the run-in.
The deeper battle behind France and Spain’s World Cup semi-final
15:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleFrance or Spain? It’s the question that will be answered tomorrow night, but there is a broader one to be asked, too, as the two defining European footballing nations of the 21st century meet. Richard Jolly looks at the similarities and differences between the pair.
The deeper battle behind France and Spain’s World Cup semi-final
HAVE YOUR SAY: Predict the semi-final scores
15:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleWhy Trump and Fifa, try as they might, will never overshadow World Cup’s most beautiful feature
15:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleOne might argue that we have heard a little too much from Gianni Infantino, Fifa and the world’s politicians during this World Cup – but as Kieran Jackson reflects after a few weeks at the tournament, the passion of the fans remains undimmed.
Why Trump and Fifa will never overshadow World Cup’s most beautiful feature
How would a 64-team World Cup work? Gianni Infantino opens door to further tournament expansion
14:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleCould another World Cup expansion be on the way? Will Castle examines how a 64-team tournament might work – and if it would be right.
How would a 64-team World Cup work?
The two physical factors that may leave Argentina at a disadvantage for World Cup semi-final
14:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleArgentina have had to “suffer” through the knockout rounds – could that cost them in their semi-final against England?
The two factors that may leave Argentina at a disadvantage for World Cup semi-final
Arsenal pushing to seal quick transfer for Argentina’s World Cup hero
14:00 , Miguel DelaneyOne of Argentina’s heroes could be heading back to the Premier League this summer.
Arsenal are attempting to get a deal for Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez done before pre-season, as competition for the player looks to have regressed.
The 26-year-old finally came alive in this World Cup on Sunday morning, scoring the extra-time winner for Argentina in their 3-1 win over Switzerland with a brilliant curling long-range strike.
That ironically came as the options for the player appear to have lessened, due to the politics. Alvarez is open to an Arsenal move but his preference had been to stay in Spain, with either Barcelona or Real Madrid.
Arsenal pushing to seal quick transfer for Argentina’s World Cup hero
England's route to the final
13:45 , Will CastleHere is how Englabd have got where they are at the 2026 World Cup:
Group fixtures
17 June: England 4-2 Croatia | AT&T Stadium, Arlington
23 June: England 0-0 Ghana | Gillette Stadium, Foxborough
27 June: England 2-0 Panama | MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
Round of 32
1 July: England 2-1 DR Congo | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
Round of 16
5 July: England 3-2 Mexico | Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
Quarter-final
11 July: England 2-1 Norway (aet) | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
15 July: England vs Argentina | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
Final:
19 July: England/Argentina vs France/Spain | MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
How France and Spain’s World Cup clash of contrasts could decide football’s tactical future
13:30 , Miguel DelaneyAs France have cruised through this World Cup, their stellar attackers so empowered to play with freedom, one concern has been niggling away at Didier Deschamps. It’s why he’s actually asked journalists to point out their few flaws. Now, this week, that concern has finally become an outright problem.
What do France do with their two-man midfield when they face the three of Spain? A team that has swarmed everyone else may suddenly find themselves outnumbered in the key area.
France and Spain’s World Cup clash of styles could decide football’s tactical future
What is England’s semi-final record?
13:15 , Will CastleEngland 2 Netherlands 1 – 2024 European Championships
Ollie Watkins’ last-minute winner sent Southgate to a second major final as England manager.
After Harry Kane’s spot-kick cancelled out a superb Xavi Simons opener, substitutes Cole Palmer and Watkins combined for a winner, but final heartbreak against Spain followed.
What is England’s semi-final record?
13:00 , Will CastleEngland 2 Denmark 1 (after extra time) – 2020 European Championship
Falling behind to Mikkel Damsgaard’s goal might have invoked a familiar sinking feeling within England fans, but Simon Kjaer’s own goal sent the match to an additional 30 minutes at Wembley.
A nerve-racking shootout was avoided when Harry Kane converted after his penalty was saved as England ended their semi-final hoodoo. However, more penalty heartbreak awaited England in the final against Italy.
What is England’s semi-final record?
12:45 , Will CastleCroatia 2-1 England (after extra time) – 2018 World Cup
Now the manager, Southgate led England back to the sharp end of a major event once more but, despite Kieran Trippier’s early free-kick giving them reason to believe, Croatia had other ideas.
Ivan Perisic struck midway through the second half at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium before Mario Mandzukic struck in extra time to break English hearts.
What is England’s semi-final record?
12:30 , Will CastleGermany 1 England 1 (Germany won 6-5 on penalties) – 1996 European Championship
A familiar opponent and outcome as 30 years of hurt continued at Wembley.
Alan Shearer headed England in front early on, but Stefan Kuntz soon levelled and, while Gascoigne was agonisingly close to sliding in a winner in extra time, the teams could not be separated after 120 minutes.
Remarkably, the first 10 penalties were scored in the shootout, meaning Gareth Southgate’s miss proved decisive.
What is England’s semi-final record?
12:15 , Will CastleWest Germany 1 England 1 (West Germany won 4-3 on penalties) – 1990 World Cup
Paul Gascoigne’s tears and the start of their penalty shootout woes were the legacies of England’s biggest game since seeing off the same opponents in the final 24 years earlier.
Gary Lineker cancelled out Andreas Brehme’s deflected effort at the Stadio delle Alpi before, in the shootout, Stuart Pearce saw his spot-kick saved and Chris Waddle blazed over.
What is England’s semi-final record?
12:00 , Will CastleEngland 2 Portugal 1 – 1966 World Cup
Portugal had a 100 per cent record going into the match at Wembley and seven of their 14 goals came from an inspired Eusebio.
However, Bobby Charlton struck in either half which meant that, while Eusebio inevitably pulled one back from the penalty spot late on, it was ultimately a mere consolation. The rest, as they say, is history.
Senegal sack Thiaw
11:45 , Will CastleAnother World Cup manager bites the dust.
Pape Thiaw has become the 13th boss to part with his side following Senegal’s round-of-32 exit to Belgium, which saw the Teranga Lions surrender a two-goal lead late on before losing deep into extra time.
Thiaw’s legacy will be his infamous antics in the Afcon 2025 final, in which he ordered his players off the pitch after a late VAR penalty call in favour of Morocco. Senegal were subsequently stripped of the title they went on to win that night.
Imagine how he would have dealt with the Folarin Balogun drama had Senegal progressed to face the USA in the last-16 - that would have been box office.
Why Trump and Fifa, try as they might, will never overshadow World Cup’s most beautiful feature
11:30 , Kieran JacksonAs the beginnings of a Mexico City thunderstorm swirl high above, dark clouds circling like a slow-motion whirlpool, a pair of English fans do not give a jot.
It is three hours before Mexico face England in the most anticipated match at the Estadio Azteca in 40 years. Attendees are being warned to take cover as the police implement their electrical storm protocol. But these adults, merry on pure vibes, are engrossed in the most childlike of games: a chalk-drawn hopscotch on the gravel, outside the stadium’s Cabecera Norte end, with ‘Viva Mexico’ at the top. And the locals, kids and adults alike, are loving it.
And when embarking on a lap of the outer perimeter of the World Cup’s most iconic venue before the blockbuster last-16 occasion, similar feel-good scenes are at every corner. Event volunteers dressed in blue and green form a ‘Limbo’ dance opportunity for passers-by; half a dozen Mexican dance groups greet ticket holders to the south of the main entrance; Mexicans joust with English in gentle ribbing as they queue for entry into the arena.
Why Trump and Fifa will never overshadow World Cup’s most beautiful feature
The history of England vs Argentina
11:15 , Will CastleEngland and Argentina have a storied footballing rivalry, one that mostly revolves around English pain.
It didn’t begin like that. England won their first two World Cup meetings with La Albiceleste, first in 1962 before famously beating them 1-0 at Wembley on their way 1966 glory.
Two decades later, the shoe was on the other foot - or hand, should I say. Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ inflicted a quarter-final defeat on the Three Lions in 1986, an encounter that was particularly incendiary by the Falklands War that had been fought four years earlier.
There was then more heartbreak at the hands of Argentines, exiting the 1998 World Cup on penalties after a 2-2 draw in which Michael Owen scored one of England’s greatest ever goals, before David Beckham was infamously sent off.
Beckham avenged this with a deciding goal in a 1-0 group-stage win at South Korea ‘02, which came three years before England’s most recent meeting with Argentina: a 3-2 friendly victory.
However, not since ‘66 have England delivered against Argentina when it most counts. Thomas Tuchel will want that to change on Wednesday.
A 64-team World Cup?
11:00 , Will CastleGianni Infantino has opened the door to further expanding the World Cup to 64 teams.
Infantino successfully pushed for the growth of the World Cup to 48 teams as has been seen at this summer’s edition, a move which initially drew significant scrutiny but has brought little debate since the tournament began.
The Fifa president says the success of the 48-team World Cup means the world governing body now have reason to consider further expansion ahead of the 2030 tournament held across Spain, Portugal and Morocco.
Gianni Infantino hints at expanding World Cup again to 64 teams
Copa Independent: The best World Cup semi-finals... ever?
10:45 , Will CastleOn the latest episode of Copa Independent, Lawrence Ostlere is joined by Miguel Delaney in Atlanta and Kieran Jackson to preview the World Cup semi-finals: England v Argentina and Spain v France, a last four featuring the top four ranked teams and four previous winners.
England’s win over Norway is assessed through the Miami heat, Jude Bellingham’s form and Golden Boot push, Harry Kane’s fatigue, Declan Rice’s fitness, Tuchel’s substitutions, and the Tuchel–Bellingham media flashpoint.
They also explore the deep history and political context of England–Argentina, Messi facing England for the first time, and the tactical contrast of Spain’s positional play against France’s attacking freedom, plus how rest days and VAR could shape the run-in.
James happy to put injury woes behind him
10:30 , Will CastleReece James has expressed his relief and satisfaction at recovering from injury just in time for England’s crucial World Cup semi-final clash against holders Argentina.
Speaking to Lions Den, James reflected on his comeback: "It’s good to be back out there with the boys. Picking up an injury at a tournament is always a race against the clock. I applied myself and happy to be back out there."
On dealing with the occasion, he added: "It comes with experience. The higher stakes the game is, the more pressure," he explained. "We’ve been doing it for years, the fundamentals are the same, but the prize is slightly different.
“We’re in a bubble, trying to complete our mission. It’s hard to see the outside. We’re happy we’re making everyone at home proud. This is what dreams are made of. Everyone as a little boy dreamt of playing and winning a World Cup. We’re against one of the best nations in the semi-final."
Reece James ready for World Cup ‘crunch time’ after injury woes
Why blockbuster World Cup semi-finals could be the best of all time
10:15 , Miguel DelaneyAs Julian Alvarez sent the ball swerving into the Swiss top corner, for arguably the goal of the World Cup so far, it was almost too perfect. Not just the quality of the strike, but what it means.
Up in Fifa’s VVIP box, far above the customarily ecstatic Argentine celebrations, Conmebol president and Gianni Infantino confidante Alejandro Dominguez was celebrating almost as wildly. It was quite the reaction for a Paraguayan, who grabbed Argentine football chief Claudio Tapia as if he was from the country himself.
That’s perhaps understandable given that it was a goal to get you off your feet as well as badly-needed South American representation in the semi-finals, but all of Fifa must have been jumping for joy.
The goal set up exactly the semi-finals many would have idealised, and that in the home of entertainment.
Why blockbuster World Cup semi-finals could be the best of all time
Who will the winner face in the World Cup final?
10:00 , Will CastleIf England beat Argentina to progress to the World Cup final, they will face either Spain or France who clash on Tuesday.
That side of the draw sees the two tournament favourites go head-to-head in the last-four - whoever wins there will take some beating.
When is England vs Argentina?
09:45 , Will CastleEngland face Argentina on Wednesday 15 July at Atlanta Stadium, with kick-off at 8pm BST. It will be televised on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
No more early morning finishes!
England vs Argentina build-up
09:30 , Will CastlePreparations are underway for England’s seismic semi-final with Argentina as Thomas Tuchel looks to guide the country to a first World Cup final since 1966.
England gritted to a 2-1 extra-time win over Norway in the quarter-finals, Jude Bellingham notching a brace after Andreas Schjelderup’s first-half opener had the Three Lions fearing an exit.
They are now on a collision course towards a clash with holders Argentina and Lionel Messi, who also required extra time to overcome Switzerland last time out.
Rivalries will be restored the two nations steeped in historical tension, both on and off the pitch, with England out to avenge their heartbreaking 1998 penalties defeat in an effort to go one game away from a World Cup title.
Good morning!
09:29 , Will CastleHello and welcome to The Independent’s live build-up of England’s seismic World Cup semi-final against Argentina.
We’ll bring you all the latest updates and team news from that clash, as well as building up to tomorrow’s first semi-final between France and Spain.
