England v Argentina LIVE: Latest World Cup updates as Thomas Tuchel confirms fitness boost ahead of semi-final

It is 21 years since Argentina and England last met, which just about encompasses Lionel Messi’s entire international career. Indeed, Messi would have played in that 2005 friendly if not for a controversial red card on debut – Kieran Jackson explains…

Remarkably, today marks the first meeting for England with Lionel Messi – perhaps the greatest player of all time looking to go back-to-back as a World Cup winning captain. Miguel Delaney explains the mentality behind the Argentina No 10’s greatness.

Atlanta police have stepped up their security measures in anticipation of potential fan clashes in the city today as England and Argentina supporters mingle. Luke Baker has the story.

Wondering to what history Thomas Tuchel might be referring? Miguel Delaney chronicles the England-Argentina rivalry, storied at World Cups but extending rather deeper off the field…

Thomas Tuchel says gritty England are ready to face an Argentina team “fuelled by history” as his side look to create their own by reaching a second World Cup final.

All eyes will be on Atlanta for what is sure to be a fiery last-four clash between these historic rivals, when the German coach is seeking to set up a Sunday showpiece against Spain.

This is England’s fourth World Cup semi-final and Tuchel is looking to lead them to a first men’s final since Sir Alf Ramsey’s heroes lifted the trophy in 1966.

Reigning champions Argentina stand in their way, with dramatic previous encounters and tensions over the Falklands War in 1982 feeding into a side willing Lionel Messi onto another global title.

“I know some of the players, I coached some of the players, I can sense it,” England boss Tuchel said. “You can see it. They have this kind of edge.

“You can sense it when they’re going a goal down, and when matches are tight. They’re a tough team to beat. It’s just what it is. They’re a tough group.”

The relationship between coach and star player can be a complex one – and Thomas Tuchel and Jude Bellingham haven’t always seen eye-to-eye. Miguel Delaney examines the pair’s past and present.

Declan Rice’s availability will please Thomas Tuchel; continued questions over his relationship with Jude Bellingham will not. Tuchel has cleared the air with the midfielder after what he described as an “unfair” situation as the pair jousted in separate TV interviews following the win over Norway.

There’s good news overnight for England supporters – Declan Rice is seemingly fit to start after overcoming the illness that has bothered him in the last week or so.

Big game. Big day. Miguel Delaney sets the scene from Atlanta: