England to face Lionel Messi's Argentina in World Cup semi

ENGLAND will have to dethrone Lionel Messi and Argentina to keep their World Cup dreams alive.

The Three Lions edged past Norway 2-1 in an extra-time nailbiter on Saturday night.

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Jude Bellingham was the man for the big moment once again as his stunning double kept fans believing football is finally coming home.

But now Thomas Tuchel’s side face the ultimate football test – a first EVER showdown with the little Argentine magician.

Messi’s defending champions got another huge slice of luck, needing 120 minutes to beat 10-man Switzerland after Breel Embolo’s controversial red card.

And England fans will be licking their lips at the prospect of the ultimate football grudge match against their bitter South American rivals.

England and Argentina have not played each other at all since 2005, with young Messi not making the squad.

The countries have played out some of the most controversial games in World Cup history.

In 1986, Diego Maradona’s famous ‘Hand of God’, followed by one of the best goals of all time, sent England packing.

While in 1998 the Three Lions were downed on penalties after THAT David Beckham red card for a tiny kick at Diego Simeone.

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But England DID beat the Argies on their route to glory in 1966.

And in their most recent World Cup showdown, Beckham got his revenge with a winning penalty in the 2002 group stage.

Now we know that either Bellingham or Messi will be facing one of Frace of Spain in the final in New York next Sunday.

Who do England play next at World Cup 2026 if they beat Norway?

England will take on defending champions Argentina who beat Switzerland after extra time.

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The final four encounter takes place on Wednesday, July 15 at the Atlanta Stadium.

And the match will get underway at 8pm BST / 3pm ET in Atlanta.

Key dates for knockout stages

The final beckons for England if they beat their semi-final opponents.

This year’s World Cup final in the UK will begin at 8pm BST, which is 3pm in the US.

England have two potential opponents in the final; France or Spain.

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