England vs Argentina: Three things you need to know

It's a huge night for England as they face Argentina for a place in the World Cup final.

The two teams have played each other in some unforgettable matches over the years, making this one of international football's biggest rivalries.

Both sides have impressed on their journey to the semi-finals and will be aiming to take one step closer to lifting the famous trophy.

From famous faces to clever teamwork, Argentina have plenty of strengths that could test England.

Here are three things you need to know ahead of the game.

Let us know who you will be supporting, as well as your match predictions in the comments below.

England and Argentina have shared some unforgettable World Cup moments over the years, with their games often producing memorable moments and plenty of drama.

In 1986, Argentina beat England 2-1 in the quarter-finals, with sporting legend Diego Maradona scoring two of the most famous goals in World Cup history - including the controversial 'Hand of God' goal and a brilliant solo run that was later voted the Goal of the Century.

The rivalry continued at the 1998 World Cup, when the two teams played out a thrilling match that ended 2-2, before England were knocked out on penalties.

When the two teams last met at a World Cup in the group stages of the 2002 tournament, England won 1-0 thanks to a penalty from David Beckham, after he had missed from the spot in their previous meeting four years earlier.

Argentina are the current world champions, having won the previous tournament which took place in Qatar in 2022.

They beat France on penalties in a thrilling final, after the game finished 3-3 after extra-time.

The result meant that Lionel Messi lifted the trophy for Argentina - the third time the country has won the World Cup, having previously been crowned world champions in 1978 and 1986.

England haven't reached a men's World Cup final since 1966, when they lifted the trophy for the first and only time.

A semi-final win over Argentina would move the Three Lions one step closer to ending that long 60-year wait.

Lionel Messi will be hoping to lead Argentina to another World Cup title in what many people think may be the 39-year-old's final World Cup.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has been in brilliant form, scoring more goals than any other player at this year's tournament so far.

But Argentina are much more than just Messi.

They also have plenty of other standout players including many who play in the Premier League - such as Chelsea's Enzo Fernández, Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister and Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez.

England also have plenty of star names of their own, including captain Harry Kane and midfielders Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice, who have all played important roles in their run to the semi-finals.