England face Argentina as top four ranked teams reach World Cup semi-finals
England, Argentina, France and Spain have made history by becoming the first top four FIFA-ranked nations to reach the World Cup semi-finals.
This is the first time since the global ranking system was introduced in 1992 that the highest-rated quartet have all advanced to this stage.
It is also the first occasion since 1990 where the final four of the tournament consists entirely of previous champions.
The semi-final schedule for the two blockbuster fixtures is as follows:
- France against Spain in Arlington, Texas on Tuesday.
- England face Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday.
A historic rivalry renewed
To reach a second consecutive final, the South American title-holders must overcome an opponent they share a deeply entrenched rivalry with.
Tensions between the two nations extend well beyond the football pitch, rooted historically in the 1982 Falklands conflict.
On the field, their international encounters have produced some of the most infamous moments in the history of the sport.
Former Argentina captain Antonio Rattin, whose death was announced on Saturday, was notably sent off in a volatile 1966 quarter-final clash.
Two decades later, Diego Maradona’s notorious “Hand of God” goal eliminated the English side on their way to lifting the 1986 trophy.
Redemption and recent history
The dramatic narrative continued in 1998 when David Beckham received a red card for kicking out at Diego Simeone.
The midfielder was heavily criticised by the British press following the round-of-16 exit, which was ultimately decided by a penalty shootout.
However, the former Manchester United star found redemption four years later by scoring the winning penalty to help eliminate his rivals in the 2002 group stage.
European giants clash in Texas
On the other side of the draw, a highly-anticipated rematch of the recent European Championship semi-final awaits.
La Roja previously triumphed 2-1 with a goal from teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, before eventually defeating England to lift the trophy.
The French squad, widely considered the most impressive team at this current tournament, will seek revenge on Bastille Day.
The 2018 World Cup winners boast a formidable attack led by Kylian Mbappe, who previously struggled with a broken nose during their last encounter.
Meanwhile, their Iberian opponents have had to navigate injuries to key wingers and rely on late interventions from Mikel Merino to advance.
A victory for both France and Argentina would set up a thrilling repeat of the 2022 World Cup final.