England's World Cup semi-final against Argentina is set for tonight at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with storms forecast that could delay both teams' travel. Despite the indoor air-conditioning at the venue, severe weather may impact the match.
England Fitness Boost
Thomas Tuchel confirmed Declan Rice is fit to start after illness. Asked if Rice is fully recovered, Tuchel said with a smile: “Well, yeah, he’s ready to start and (he is) as good recovered as possible.”
Pressure on Argentina
England defender Marc Guehi said all pressure is on Argentina: “There isn’t pressure on us. What’s the pressure? The onus is on them. They’re the World Champions. They need to come out, they need to defend their title. There’s no pressure on us at all.”
England's Preparation
Ezri Konsa claimed England have not watched any of Argentina’s games ahead of the semi-final: “We haven't managed to watch any of their games. I'm sure, when we have the meeting tonight or tomorrow, we'll see some clips of them and see what we can do to overcome them.”
Argentina's Response
Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni tried to ease tensions: “It’s a football match; I can’t mix things up, out of respect for what happened so many years ago.” There are concerns fans could clash given the history between the nations, with the FBI on high alert.
FIFA Breaks Rules
FIFA will break its own rule for the semi-final, unable to cover the giant Mercedes logo on the stadium roof. Additionally, the half-time break at the World Cup final is expected to be 30 minutes, breaching the 15-minute maximum under the Laws of the Game.
Half-Time Show
Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira, BTS, Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel, and the PS22 Chorus featuring Coldplay are set to perform during the break. Robbie Williams, Tom Cruise, and Nicole Scherzinger will perform in the Closing Ceremony.
France and Spain React
France boss Didier Deschamps questioned referee Ivan Barton’s appointment for their semi-final defeat to Spain: “Then I ask a question, and I’m not going to answer it: 'Is the referee good enough to officiate a World Cup semi-final?'” Spain’s Rodri added: “We’re talking about 10 or 15 fouls where the kid [Lamine Yamal] goes to the ground. If the referees do not call them, then the defence will keep doing the same thing.”
Kylian Mbappe criticized Deschamps' tactics after the defeat: “We were three against two in midfield and against Spain, that's hard. Fabian [Ruiz] and Rodri had plenty of time to play. There was a lack of communication on the press.”
ITV presenter Mark Pougatch apologized to Patrick Vieira following France’s exit: “Sorry, Patrick, it has been great to have you with us for the World Cup. Since you are not here this weekend, it has been great to have you with us, so thanks very much for your contributions.”
