​England and Argentina have set up a blockbuster World Cup semi-final showdown for Saturday after surviving tough battles against Norway and Switzerland to reach the last four. In sweltering Miami, Jude Bellingham struck twice to steer England to a nervy 2-1 extra-time win over Norway, sending the Three Lions into the semi-finals for only the fourth time in their history. Later, defending champions Argentina clinched a spot in the semi-finals with a dramatic 3-1 victory over 10-man Switzerland at Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium. Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez found the net in extra time for Argentina, who had been on the brink after Switzerland’s Dan Ndoye equalised in the second half to cancel out Alexis Mac Allister’s early opener for the holders.
The results mean England and Argentina will renew one of football’s most famous rivalries when they meet in the semi-finals in Atlanta on Wednesday. The winner will then face the victor of the other semi-final between France and Spain in Texas on Tuesday, with the final scheduled for July 19.
– Furious manager and tense conditions: England’s boss Thomas Tuchel warned the team they must improve drastically if they are to go beyond the semi-finals. In the hot, humid Florida backdrop, England fell behind in the 36th minute when Norway’s Andreas Schjelderup unleashed a powerful shot from the left. However, there was a significant stroke of luck for England just before the break when Bellingham equalised after a Norwegian goal kick struck an overhead camera cable, sending the ball into play in a way that benefited England. Norway protested vigorously, and the goal stood. There had been another controversial disallowed goal for Norway before Bellingham’s late winner in extra-time. FIFA later stated there was no evidence the ball had struck the cable, but Norwegian coach Stale Solbakken remained adamant that luck had swung the momentary advantage away from his side. “That was unlucky for us,” Solbakken said. “The ball fell straight down from the sky, so it changed its direction. But we can’t do anything about it. I don’t think we’ll replay the game. That’s how it is.”
England’s captaincy and composure were tested as they navigated a fraught match, and Tuchel reflected after the whistle that while reaching the last four felt fantastic, the performance had room for improvement and that the team had been fortunate on the day.
– Argentina endure a stern test: In Kansas City, Argentina found themselves pushed to extra time for the second time in the tournament before pulling clear to beat Switzerland 3-1. They took the lead early, as Lionel Messi’s outswinging corner found the head of Alexis Mac Allister, who guided a header past Gregor Kobel. The Liverpool midfielder rose highest behind Switzerland’s Akanji to direct the ball into the back of the net. Switzerland responded with physical play and intensity, lifting the siege and creating chances of their own, but Argentina held the line and eventually extended their advantage in extra time with two goals from Alvarez and Martinez, sealing the win.
As a result, the World Cup’s iconic fixture between England and Argentina re-emerges at the business end of the tournament. Both teams will aim to book a place in the final, with the remaining semi-final line-up completed by the clash between France and Spain in Texas. In Atlanta on Wednesday, all eyes will be on what promises to be a high-stakes continental derby, with the winner set to contend for the coveted trophy in Paris this year.