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By Ishaan Kapoor — 14 July 2026 — 4 min read

England is preparing for their World Cup 2026 semi-final match against Argentina with only two players unavailable. Head coach Thomas Tuchel confirmed that Jordan Henderson and Jarell Quansah are the only players who will miss the crucial encounter. Henderson is currently recovering from surgery on a broken arm, an injury sustained during celebrations after England’s victory over Mexico in the last 16. Quansah is suspended following a red card he received in the same match.

The availability of most of the squad provides Tuchel with various options as he finalizes his starting lineup. Despite not fielding the same starting back four in consecutive games throughout the tournament, Tuchel is reportedly considering maintaining the defensive quartet that began the quarter-final against Norway. This defensive unit included Ezri Konsa, John Stones, Marc Guehi, and Nico O’Reilly. Tuchel was reportedly impressed with their performance during the 2-1 win against Norway.

A significant boost for England comes with the confirmed availability of midfielder Declan Rice. Rice’s preparation for the Norway game was significantly affected by illness, and he also experienced a hamstring issue earlier in the tournament. However, he trained fully on Tuesday and is expected to start in Atlanta. Tuchel confirmed Rice’s readiness, stating, “Everyone is fit to start, except Jarell [Quansah, suspended] and Jordan [Henderson, injured]. Declan [Rice] is ready to start and [had] as good a recovery as possible.”

The upcoming match marks a significant moment in the rivalry between England and Argentina, as it will be their first meeting in 21 years. Their last encounter was a friendly match in 2005. Security measures have been heightened in Atlanta for this highly anticipated semi-final. This match will also be the first time Lionel Messi faces a team managed by Tuchel. England’s goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford, has cautioned against focusing too much on Messi, suggesting that doing so could leave them vulnerable to other players.

The semi-final clash is part of a storied history between the two nations in the World Cup. The match is generating considerable interest, with discussions extending beyond the pitch. An Argentine war veterans federation has urged fans to concentrate on the football aspect of the semi-final rather than using the match to advance sovereignty claims over the Falkland Islands. Their statement from the April 2 War Veterans Federation emphasized that the semi-final is a sporting event, not an opportunity for “armed revenge or historical compensation.”

The federation highlighted that sovereignty issues should be addressed in international forums through diplomacy, historical truth, and peaceful claims established by their National Constitution. This call for focus on the game underscores the intense atmosphere surrounding the fixture, which is seen by many as a significant event in the footballing world.

Meanwhile, Spain has already secured their place in the final after defeating France. Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro were instrumental in their victory over the French side, which featured Kylian Mbappe. England will be watching closely to see who they might face if they overcome Argentina. The semi-final between England and Argentina, along with the Spain versus France match, features the top four ranked teams in the tournament and four previous World Cup winners.

The performance of Jude Bellingham has been a notable highlight for England in this World Cup. His contributions, including goals against Croatia, Panama, and a double against Mexico, have been crucial. Bellingham’s first goal against Norway showcased elite technical skill, while his second secured a victory for England. His impact has led to widespread recognition, with a London train stop renamed “Jude Bellingham” and West Midlands Railway offering free rides for individuals named Jude. This phenomenon, dubbed “Jude-fever” or “Bellingham-mania,” highlights his growing prominence in the tournament.

Captain Harry Kane has urged his teammates to avoid getting overly caught up in the historical and emotional baggage associated with playing Argentina. He stressed that while the history is a part of the narrative, the primary focus for players should be on the match itself. Kane described the game as “England versus Argentina, it’s two of the biggest nations going toe to toe. Two giants in the semi-final of a World Cup.” He emphasized that the team’s preparation remains consistent, treating this game no differently from any other, with the most important aspect being their belief in their ability to succeed on this stage.

The build-up to the match has also seen discussions about player fitness and tactical considerations. Reece James is also under consideration for a defensive start after recovering from his own hamstring problem. The team’s overall fitness, particularly that of key players like Rice, is seen as crucial for their chances against Argentina. The match represents a significant opportunity for England to advance to the World Cup final.

The World Cup semi-final is set to be a highly competitive fixture, with both teams vying for a spot in the final. The outcome will determine which team progresses to face Spain for the ultimate prize in football. The match is anticipated to be a hard-fought game, with many expecting a nail-biter. England’s focus remains on their preparation and performance against a formidable Argentine side.

The team’s manager, Thomas Tuchel, held his press conference after a delay due to a late landing in Atlanta, where he provided the crucial team news regarding player availability for the semi-final.

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Source: bbc.com