Messi against everyone
Argentina captain Lionel Messi has played more than 200 internationals but, at 39, will face England for the first time in his remarkable career.
Containing him will require a collective effort from England, as the diminutive playmaker constantly drifts into different areas of the pitch, sometimes through the middle, sometimes off the right flank.
"England can run more than Argentina, but they simply have that little genius, Messi. Everyone plays for him," former England defender and BBC pundit Micah Richards said.
"Marking him is impossible because he doesn't track back. He finds little pockets of space where he really shouldn't be. He comes alive at exactly the right moment and has the best technique. His awareness of space is fantastic."
London rivals in midfield
The battle for midfield control is likely to centre on Declan Rice and Enzo Fernández, rivals from Arsenal and Chelsea, two of London's biggest clubs.
Both have become indispensable to their teams since arriving in 2023 for similar fees of around 120 million euros.
Fernández operates further forward, using his passing range to unlock defences, while Rice is a holding midfielder whose outstanding athleticism has earned him the nickname 'The Horse' among Arsenal supporters for his relentless running.
England will hope Rice has fully recovered after being substituted at half-time in the quarter-final against Norway, having spent the previous days bedridden with illness.
Kane against Argentina's defensive triangle
One question hangs over the semi-final: can Harry Kane live up to his 'HurriKane' nickname against an Argentina defence that has looked vulnerable throughout the knockout stages?
England's captain and record goalscorer will recognise several familiar faces, including Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, Manchester United defender Lisandro Martínez and, above all, his former Tottenham teammate Cristian Romero.
Kane and Romero fought many battles together in Spurs colours before the striker's move to Bayern Munich in 2023.
The England captain will look to exploit the weaknesses of an Argentina back line that has conceded five goals in three knockout matches: 3-2 after extra time against Cabo Verde, 3-2 against Egypt and 3-1 after extra time against Switzerland.
At the other end, Argentina striker Julián Álvarez could come up against an all-Manchester City central defensive pairing, with John Stones and Marc Guéhi expected to start for the Three Lions.
Banderazos against terrace anthems
There will also be a contest in the stands, between England's travelling supporters and Argentina's passionate fans, who have been by far the largest and loudest following at the 2026 World Cup.
Whether living in the United States or travelling from Argentina, the Albiceleste faithful have created an electric atmosphere wherever the team has played.
On the eve of every match they gather in public squares and parks for traditional banderazos – mass fan rallies filled with giant flags, chants and a sea of Messi and Diego Maradona shirts, accompanied by the smell of barbecues and coloured smoke flares.
England supporters do not stage organised banderazos, but they have long been renowned for their terrace songs and full-throated backing.
By the end of Wednesday's match, however, only one anthem will ring around Atlanta: either Oasis classic 'Wonderwall' or 'La Cuarta Estrella,' the unofficial anthem of Argentina's supporters as they dream of a fourth World Cup title.
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by Jérémy Talbot, AFP
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