England fans have declared it is time for "revenge for the Hand of God" as the Three Lions prepare to face Argentina in the World Cup semi-final in Atlanta. Supporters believe stopping captain Lionel Messi is the key to reaching a first men's final since 1966.
Thousands of England fans have descended on Atlanta ahead of Wednesday's match. Manager Thomas Tuchel said his side would face an Argentina team "fuelled by history" and stressed the challenge of preventing Messi from producing another moment of brilliance.
Tuchel's plan to stop Messi
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Tuchel described the 39-year-old as a unique talent who "sees stuff earlier than anyone else on the field." He revealed he considered using "proper old school man-marking" to contain Messi, who has scored eight goals in what is expected to be his final World Cup.
Tuchel added that his players have the "grit" and mentality to overcome the reigning champions. Police introduced road blocks in Atlanta's city centre on Tuesday night after security was stepped up ahead of the game.
Fan confidence and rivalry
Mark Lester, 56, from London, told the Press Association: "I think we'll win tomorrow. Just stop Messi. I know they've got other people, but they haven't got other people really. They've got Premiership players, who aren't as good as our Premiership players, and I'm very confident."
His son Colin Lester, 25, agreed: "Attacking-wise, we've had the highest XG over the whole tournament and they're a bit weak at the back. Player for player, we're better than Argentina. Stop Messi. We'll get goals against Argentina – it's just whether he produces a bit of magic."
While watching Spain beat France 2-0 in the other semi-final, England fans discussed Diego Maradona's controversial "Hand of God" goal 40 years after it knocked England out of the 1986 World Cup. Mark Lester said: "Maradona, they celebrated that as if it was the biggest game in the world because he cheated. I do not like them – it is the biggest game for us."
Revenge and officiating concerns
Simon Rowlinson, 61, from Wolverhampton, also wanted revenge: "It's our time for getting revenge for the Hand of God and everything else. We're definitely going to win it, but it will be a tight game."
His friend Mark Green, also 61, said beating Argentina carried significance beyond a final place: "It's got to be, hasn't it? It has absolutely got to be – just to get one over them. Forget about all the politics – it's just all about getting one over Argentina on the football field."
Some supporters expressed concern about officiating after American referee Ismail Elfath was appointed. Mr Green said: "I think we'll always have to play against the referee. So I think we know we're going to be up against it – but you've got to do what you've got to do to win."
Mr Rowlinson dismissed those concerns: "I'm not so bothered about the referee because we've always got VAR to back it up. I'm not a big believer that referees have been against certain teams – I think they're pretty fair."
Positive atmosphere but potential tension
Freddie Bunn, 23, from Cheddar, Somerset, said: "I'm feeling very confident. I think it's a big game for England, but not just for England – for Messi as well, possibly his last World Cup game. I think it's huge – but feeling confident." He described Argentina as England's biggest footballing rivals in the tournament but noted relations between supporters had been positive: "The Argentinians have been very friendly towards us so hopefully there won't be any trouble."
Alex Kesley, 23, from Bristol, predicted England's best performance: "So far in this tournament, we haven't proved how good we really are. Jude Bellingham's got us through a few games, but this is our time and I'm sure we're going to turn up tomorrow." He added: "Tuchel knows how to win finals – he's got a proven track record."
Despite friendly relations, Mr Kesley warned emotions could run high after the final whistle: "I can see it kicking off, no matter who loses, to be honest."
