From Tuchel’s outcast to England’s kingpin, how Jude Bellingham silenced his critics at the World Cup

England have their own star No 10 at this tournament. Jude Bellingham doesn’t quite do things like Lionel Messi, but Lawrence Ostlere believes he’s silenced his critics.

Harry Latham-Coyle15 July 2026 09:20

Why an emotionally-charged Argentina need to win this World Cup more than you might think

England have carried plenty of emotion through this tournament, but Argentina seem to have plenty to play for. Ed Malyon looks at why this World Cup is more important than it might first appear for the defending champions.

Harry Latham-Coyle15 July 2026 09:10

The ‘anti-football’ red card that explains why Lionel Messi has never faced England

It is 21 years since Argentina and England last met, which just about encompasses Lionel Messi’s entire international career. Indeed, Messi would have played in that 2005 friendly if not for a controversial red card on debut – Kieran Jackson explains…

Harry Latham-Coyle15 July 2026 09:00

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

Remarkably, today marks the first meeting for England with Lionel Messi – perhaps the greatest player of all time looking to go back-to-back as a World Cup winning captain. Miguel Delaney explains the mentality behind the Argentina No 10’s greatness.

Harry Latham-Coyle15 July 2026 08:50

HAVE YOUR SAY! Predict the score of England vs Argentina

Harry Latham-Coyle15 July 2026 08:35

Atlanta police increase security for England vs Argentina World Cup semi-final

Atlanta police have stepped up their security measures in anticipation of potential fan clashes in the city today as England and Argentina supporters mingle. Luke Baker has the story.

Harry Latham-Coyle15 July 2026 08:25

England and Argentina’s epic rivalry is much deeper than just football

Wondering to what history Thomas Tuchel might be referring? Miguel Delaney chronicles the England-Argentina rivalry, storied at World Cups but extending rather deeper off the field…

Harry Latham-Coyle15 July 2026 08:15

Thomas Tuchel says Argentina ‘fuelled by history’ ahead of England clash

Thomas Tuchel says gritty England are ready to face an Argentina team “fuelled by history” as his side look to create their own by reaching a second World Cup final.

All eyes will be on Atlanta for what is sure to be a fiery last-four clash between these historic rivals, when the German coach is seeking to set up a Sunday showpiece against Spain.

This is England’s fourth World Cup semi-final and Tuchel is looking to lead them to a first men’s final since Sir Alf Ramsey’s heroes lifted the trophy in 1966.

Reigning champions Argentina stand in their way, with dramatic previous encounters and tensions over the Falklands War in 1982 feeding into a side willing Lionel Messi onto another global title.

“I know some of the players, I coached some of the players, I can sense it,” England boss Tuchel said. “You can see it. They have this kind of edge.

“You can sense it when they’re going a goal down, and when matches are tight. They’re a tough team to beat. It’s just what it is. They’re a tough group.”

Harry Latham-Coyle15 July 2026 08:10

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

The relationship between coach and star player can be a complex one – and Thomas Tuchel and Jude Bellingham haven’t always seen eye-to-eye. Miguel Delaney examines the pair’s past and present.

Harry Latham-Coyle15 July 2026 08:00

Thomas Tuchel clears the air with Jude Bellingham after ‘unfair’ question: ‘It’s blown up in the media’

Declan Rice’s availability will please Thomas Tuchel; continued questions over his relationship with Jude Bellingham will not. Tuchel has cleared the air with the midfielder after what he described as an “unfair” situation as the pair jousted in separate TV interviews following the win over Norway.

Harry Latham-Coyle15 July 2026 07:55