England to face Argentina in World Cup semi-final after Alvarez wondergoal sinks Switzerland

England will meet Argentina in the World Cup semi-final after the holders came from behind to beat 10-man Switzerland 3-1 after extra time, with Julian Alvarez producing one of the goals of the tournament to settle the contest.

Thomas Tuchel’s side had already booked their place in the last four earlier on Saturday, edging past Norway 2-1 in Miami thanks to a Jude Bellingham brace, and were left watching on to discover their opponents.

How England got there

England had to dig deep against Norway after Andreas Schjelderup put the Scandinavians ahead midway through the first half, his cross deceiving Jordan Pickford on its way in off the post. Bellingham levelled matters right on the stroke of half-time and then struck again early in extra time, pouncing on a mistake from goalkeeper Örjan Nyland to send the Three Lions through.

Norway, who had stunned Brazil to reach their first-ever World Cup quarter-final, thought they had restored parity through Torbjørn Heggem in the second half, but the goal was chalked off following a VAR review for a foul by Erling Haaland on Elliot Anderson in the build-up.

Tuchel has been frank about his side’s displays so far in the tournament, admitting England have fallen short of their best in the aftermath of the Norway win, even as they continue to grind out results.

Alvarez wondergoal sinks Swiss

Argentina’s path to the semi-final was similarly hard-fought. Alexis Mac Allister put the holders ahead before half-time, only for Dan Ndoye to equalise for Switzerland. A VAR intervention then saw Breel Embolo sent off, leaving the Swiss to play the remainder of the match a man down.

With the game locked at 1-1 heading into extra time, Alvarez produced a moment of magic to put Argentina back in front before a third goal sealed a 3-1 victory and a place in the last four.

Lionel Messi’s side have needed to graft for their results throughout the knockout stages, requiring extra time to see off Cape Verde and staging a remarkable turnaround against Egypt in the last 16, having trailed 2-0 with just 15 minutes remaining.

A rivalry steeped in history

England and Argentina’s meetings on the football pitch carry a weight that stretches well beyond the game itself. Their last competitive encounter came at the 2002 World Cup, when David Beckham scored the winner from the penalty spot – four years after his infamous sending off against the same opposition in Saint-Étienne had made him a national villain overnight.

Argentina won that 1998 last-16 tie on penalties after a 2-2 draw, ending Glenn Hoddle’s reign as England manager in heartbreaking fashion. Further back still, the two sides’ 1986 quarter-final is remembered above all for Diego Maradona’s two iconic goals – one a piece of outrageous skill, the other infamously assisted by his hand.

With both nations through to the last four once more, England and Argentina will renew one of football’s most storied rivalries with a place in the World Cup final at stake.

Read more: England face Mexico at the Azteca in World Cup last 16 showdown

Sources

• The Mirror
• Sky Sports
• Evening Standard

This is an independent report written from the facts across the sources named above.