England faces Argentina at 3 p.m. ET Wednesday in Atlanta for a spot in the World Cup final. The two nations meet for the first time in 21 years, renewing one of football’s fiercest rivalries marked by Diego Maradona‘s “Hand of God” in 1986 and David Beckham’s red card in 1998. Argentina are defending champions. England are hungry to end a 60-year drought.

Star Power Collision

Jude Bellingham has been outstanding for England, scoring braces in consecutive knockout matches—the first player to do so since Maradona in 1986. He carries six goals into this semifinal. Harry Kane has six as well. Argentina’s Lionel Messi sits at eight goals and two assists, positioning himself to claim the Golden Boot.

Bellingham’s emergence as a generational talent plays against Argentina’s experience. Kane’s clinical finishing has been England’s shield in tight matches. Messi remains capable of sudden brilliance. The narrative writes itself: youth and hunger versus experience and poise.

The History

These two sides have met just once at a World Cup before Wednesday. In 2006, England lost to Argentina in the quarterfinals on penalty kicks. Before that was 1966, when the teams drew in the group stage. The personal stakes run deep—especially for Argentina, defending their crown against a team desperate to win.

Path to Here

England eliminated Norway and Mexico to reach this semifinal. Argentina beat Mexico and Japan. Both teams have shown resilience and clinical finishing when it matters. Neither has conceded more than twice in this tournament. The match figures to be tight, tactical, and decided by moments of quality.

Spain awaits the winner. England and Argentina both know they’re 90 minutes from a final that would define their tournament and, for some players, their careers.