England are preparing for a monumental World Cup semi-final clash with bitter rivals Argentina, hoping star midfielder Declan Rice is fit after illness. The Arsenal midfielder was substituted at half-time in the quarter-final win over Norway due to suspected food poisoning but is expected to start against the reigning world champions led by Lionel Messi.
Declan Rice update
Declan Rice is anticipated to start against Argentina after being forced to leave the pitch early during the Norway game. He was battling illness last week due to suspected food poisoning and was substituted at half-time during the 2-1 quarter-final victory. Rice is vital to Thomas Tuchel's side, and his availability is a major boost for England.
American pundit's taunts
Outspoken American commentator Alexei Lalas, a FOX Sports pundit who clashed with Zlatan Ibrahimovic earlier in the tournament, has been mouthing off about the Three Lions. The former USA centre-back said: "England coming over to our shores, on our 250th birthday, and them winning a World Cup after 60 years... we cannot have that happen." He added: "But this is where I'm torn. Now, they could lose in the semi-final, or they can go to the final and experience the ultimate heartbreak and hurt and lose in the final." However, Lalas admitted: "The problem is that this England team is very good and dare I say this... even likeable."
Racism storm
Another racism controversy has tainted the World Cup after former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy claimed France "don't have any French players." The French squad has responded, with Warren Zaire-Emery saying: "The French team has players from different backgrounds and origins, as does the country. We are a united group, a united team, and that's all that matters." Meanwhile, French star Adrien Rabiot dismissed the notion that his team has a strategy for Lamine Yamal: "There is no anti-Lamine Yamal plan. We are focused on the Spanish team, not on a single player."
Referee confirmed
The match official for England vs Argentina has been confirmed as American referee Ismail Elfath. Having already officiated three matches, Elfath has drawn some criticism for seemingly permitting overly aggressive play, with tempers flaring in Spain vs Uruguay and Brazil vs Norway, both of which he officiated. He was criticised in Spain for allegedly allowing Uruguay's physical approach, though he did send off Agustin Canobbio, who confronted him in anger at the end of the 1-0 victory for Spain.
Kit and match details
The kit each team will wear for England vs Argentina has been revealed. England will don their white strip, while Argentina will sport navy blue after submitting a special request to FIFA. This means the Albiceleste will wear the same colours they donned for their famous victories over the Three Lions in both 1986 and 1998.
Bank holiday plans
The UK government is set to announce plans for a conditional bank holiday on Friday, July 24, should England end their 60-year World Cup drought. This arrangement is expected to be revealed if the Three Lions defeat Argentina, allowing businesses time to prepare for what would be an unprecedented celebration.
Messi's likely farewell
Lionel Messi, 39, who has never faced England before, is unlikely to grace another World Cup, according to ex-Three Lions ace Chris Waddle. "If he thought the team would be better off without him, he would stand aside. I'd be very surprised if you see him at the next World Cup as a player," Waddle commented.
