England v Argentina LIVE: Latest World Cup updates and Declan Rice fitness latest as security increased for semi-final

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England v Argentina LIVE: Late call to be made on Rice fitness as security increased for World Cup semi-final

The two nations will battle for a place in the final in their first meeting for 21 years

England are set to make a late call over the fitness of key figure Declan Rice as they gear up for a massive World Cup semi-final against Argentina.

Rice was forced off early in the quarter-final win over Norway having been struggling with illness, and has also dealt with a hamstring issue during the course of this tournament. His possible absence from the semi-final in Atlanta would have been a huge blow, but it appears that the midfielder is likely to be available to Thomas Tuchel – who also faces selection headaches defensively with Reece James perhaps coming under consideration for a start after his recovery from his own hamstring problem.

The encounter will be the latest chapter in a storied World Cup rivalry, though England and Argentina have not met in a fixture of any kind since a friendly in 2005. Security has been increased in Atlanta for their first meeting in 21 years. It means Lionel Messi will take on Tuchel’s side for the first time – though goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has insisted that they risk letting others hurt them if they focus overly on the Argentina captain.

Follow all of the latest ahead of England vs Argentina with our live blog below:

What is it like to face Lionel Messi? Inside the mind of Argentina’s genius as England finally find out

For the first time in his career, Lionel Messi will take on England. What makes him so good? Miguel Delaney goes inside the mind of Argentina’s genius.

What is it like to face Lionel Messi? Inside the mind of Argentina’s genius

As perhaps the greatest player of all time prepares for a first meeting with England, Miguel Delaney explains the mentality that makes him so good

Harry Latham-Coyle14 July 2026 10:15

Security stepped up as England and Argentina fans prepare for World Cup showdown

Police have stepped up security across Atlanta as the city prepares to host England’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina – a fixture fans have said has “so much history and so much rivalry”.

The Atlanta Police Department said extra officers and resources had already been deployed around the city before Wednesday’s match, with increased patrols planned around the Mercedes-Benz Stadium as well as “entertainment districts and other high-traffic areas”.

Security stepped up as England and Argentina fans prepare for World Cup showdown

England play Argentina in their World Cup semi-final in Atlanta on Wednesday.

Harry Latham-Coyle14 July 2026 10:00

Will England get a Bank Holiday if team wins the World Cup? Potential date revealed ahead of Argentina semi-final

The government is considering an extra bank holiday if England wins the World Cup, with the final set to take place next 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?

The Friday after the World Cup final has been earmarked to potentially celebrate an England victory, it is understood

Bryony Gooch14 July 2026 09:40

Starmer eyes dash to World Cup final and flight home in time for Burnham’s coronation

Sir Keir Starmer is eyeing a last-minute dash to the US for the World Cup final if England beat Argentina on Wednesday as one of his final acts as prime minister, reports suggest.

The outgoing prime minister would plan to watch the game at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on Sunday before touching back down in London for his final morning in the top job, sources told The Times.

The newspaper reports the final details of the plan are still being drawn up, but that a No 10 source said there would be no delay to the transfer of power.

Starmer eyes dash to World Cup final and flight home in time for Burnham’s coronation

The prime minister plans to fly to the US for the game before returning for his final morning in the top job, The Times reports

Nicole Wootton-Cane14 July 2026 09:30

Nico O'Reilly ready for 'once in a lifetime' challenge against Lionel Messi

England defender Nico O’Reilly is backing himself to come through the “once-in-a-lifetime” task of marking Lionel Messi and turning his dream of winning the World Cup into reality.

O’Reilly has been Thomas Tuchel’s first-choice left-back in the tournament, but his challenge is about to get much harder in Wednesday’s semi-final against Argentina.

Messi, 39, is going out in style at his sixth World Cup as his eight goals have fired the defending champions to the last four.

Manchester City defender O’Reilly was a baby when Messi played at his first World Cup in 2006 and rates him as “the best player to ever touch a football pitch”.

“I can’t wait,” O’Reilly told BBC Radio 5 Live. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“He’s coming towards the end of his career. For me personally, he’s the best player to ever touch a football pitch. And yeah, I can’t wait for the challenge.”

Harry Latham-Coyle14 July 2026 09:15

The two physical factors that may leave Argentina at a disadvantage for World Cup semi-final

Both England and Argentina have had to ride the rigours of knockout football already at this tournament, enduring plenty of physical and mental toil. What impact might that have on the semi-final? Richard Jolly takes a look.

The two factors that may leave Argentina at a disadvantage for World Cup semi-final

Argentina have ‘suffered’ through the knockout rounds – and an ageing side seem to lack the energy of others at this tournament

Harry Latham-Coyle14 July 2026 09:00

Is the Falklands War a factor? The geopolitics at play for World Cup refereeing appointments

Refereeing appointments aren’t always as straightforward as they seem – and in a week where there will be plenty of talk about the legacy of the Falklands War, Kieran Jackson explains the geopolitics at play as Fifa sorts out its officiating appointments.

Is Falklands War a factor? The politics at play for World Cup refereeing appointments

Referees, their decisions and their appointments have been a hot topic of conversation this week at the World Cup

Harry Latham-Coyle14 July 2026 08:45

Who is Ismail Elfath? England v Argentina referee for World Cup semi-final

The match officials for England against Argentina have been confirmed, with Ismail Elfath earning a prestige appointment after an unconventional journey:

Who is Ismail Elfath? England v Argentina referee for World Cup semi-final

Elfath was born in Morocco but has forged his officiating career in the United States

Harry Latham-Coyle14 July 2026 08:35

Why blockbuster World Cup semi-finals could be the best of all time

The first of the World Cup semi-finals is today, of course, as France and Spain battle for a place in the showpiece decider. What great games could be in store – perhaps, Miguel Delaney argues, the greatest ever...

Why blockbuster World Cup semi-finals could be the best of all time

Packed with individual and collective quality, Spain, France, England and Argentina are a fabulous and fitting final four, Miguel Delaney writes – and could take this tournament to new heights

Harry Latham-Coyle14 July 2026 08:25

Inside Thomas Tuchel’s relationship with Jude Bellingham at the heart of England’s World Cup

Those rumours of rifts were perhaps exacerbated by the contrasting ITV interviews of Thomas Tuchel and Jude Bellingham after the Norway win. Miguel Delaney examines the relationship between the pair.

Inside the Tuchel-Bellingham relationship at the heart of England’s World Cup

Bellingham’s strong reaction to Tuchel’s criticism of England’s quarter-final performance against Norway brings scrutiny on the relationship between two key figures in the camp

Harry Latham-Coyle14 July 2026 08:15

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