Spain reach World Cup final, England eye Argentina test
Erling Haaland’s prolific World Cup for Norway boosts him past 66m Instagram followers, overtaking Manchester United’s account, as breakout stars like Vozinha and Tim Payne also surge.
Spain outplay France 2-0 in the World Cup semi-final in Arlington, shutting down Mbappe as Rodri, Dani Olmo and Fabian Ruiz control midfield. Deschamps’ side fail to register a shot on target until late.
Combined XI picks Emi Martinez, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez for Argentina, with Reece James, Nico O’Reilly, Elliot Anderson, Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane for England.
Two English referees are ineligible for the World Cup final under neutrality rules after teams reached the latter stages, forcing them to return home early.
Arsenal hope England or Spain win the World Cup, boosting their players, and fear an Argentina triumph would inflate Julian Alvarez’s price amid talks with Atletico, complicating a marquee move.
Authorities prepare a London victory parade, with Westminster Council, City Hall, the Department of Sport and the FA coordinating plans if England beat Argentina in Wednesday’s World Cup semi-final.
Croatia condemn FIFA after their Portugal defeat, saying a letter seeking VAR audio on Josko Gvardiol’s disallowed 103rd-minute equaliser was ignored, calling tech-led offside ‘infamous’ and harmful to the game.
Report claims a Messi goal should not have stood under World Cup rules as England prepare to face Argentina in the semi-final.
Highlights reel of Argentina’s 17 World Cup goals en route to the semi-final against England.
Wayne Rooney hails Jude Bellingham as the World Cup’s best so far, citing six goals in six games and his energy and drive, with England to face Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the semi-final.
England boost for World Cup semi-final vs Argentina: only Jordan Henderson misses training, with Declan Rice likely fit. Tuchel plans to curb Messi, with Spain awaiting the winners in the final.
