SF2: England vs Argentina...... Wed 15th July 20:00 - BBC1

[Beelated]

American referee Ismail Elfath will take charge of England's World Cup semi-final against Argentina

World Cup 2026: American Ismail Elfath to referee England v Argentina

Fifa announce American referee Ismail Elfath will take charge of England's World Cup semi-final against Argentina.

www.bbc.co.uk

This has the makings of another controversy; FIFA/Trump reinstating the ‘best’ players into the final, should they get themselves sent off (with the aid of an enthusiastic referee).

Beckham 2.0 (with added VAR), anyone??

 

[readingbee]

This has the makings of another controversy; FIFA/Trump reinstating the ‘best’ players into the final, should they get themselves sent off (with the aid of an enthusiastic referee).

Beckham 2.0 (with added VAR), anyone??

Hopefully it’ll be a proper game well referred. I’m not sure though that FIFA will actually mean Fixed it for Argentina.

 

[nick logan]

How exactly?

Missed Messi missed red card and the Egypt game I assume

 

[hanworthbee]

Lots of US football followers are Hispanic so there's a language link in both directions.

All the Mexicans will be supporting England

 

[Voice from the Braemar]

England have nothing to fear from Argies or Spain…we just need to turn up and get into em

 

[Banana]

21 and a half hours to go. Can't wait for this one.

 

[Carri Bee Un]

I am unable to think about anything else. Professionally, personally, I have a lot of sh*t going on. But I cannot have more than a 10-minute conversation with anyone without being distracted by thinking about this match.

I need to be put into an induced coma.

 

[Oldboy TW8 0AW]

The day of the semi final vs.Argentina is here.
Since last Saturday's victory vs. Norway, it has been a case of Georgia on my mind in reference to tonight's game.
Wherever people are watching the game, c'mon England let's go one more time and reach Sunday's final.
For those at the game .

 

[ChrisSmith1992]

Nervous already

 

[Stofer]

Can’t wait for this!!
Really confident of the win, COE!!

 

[Oldboy TW8 0AW]

The Best 'unofficial' Footie Anthems Ever! CD already being played.
Still 12.5 hours until kick off .
Come on England ️

 

[gamidov]

Any one else nervous

 

[Ghost]

Any one else nervous

Not really. I think the only sensible course of action is to assume, we will fall foul to any combination of cheating, Messi and penalties and be pleasantly surprised if none of that comes to pass.

 

[marvelous007]

I concur with this lineup

I agree but i also think we see Watkins off the bench soon.

 

[marvelous007]

England have nothing to fear from Argies or Spain…we just need to turn up and get into em

Agreed, we just need to play the game and not the occassion and we should win.

 

[Travel Tavern Bee]

Any one else nervous

Nope only get nervous with Brentford .

 

[Ghost]

England have nothing to fear from Argies or Spain

You've started early

 

[WarDamnBees]

Good morning England. Welcome to my hometown. Enjoy it. Best NFL stadium in the country (in my biased opinion), on the biggest stage. Absolutely amped for all of you, it might just actually be coming home (not for me but for y’all obviously, am I supposed to say going home instead?). If anyone happens to be travelling for the game and has any questions, I’m sure myself or any of the Atlanta Bees would be happy to help if you need anything.

 

[gamidov]

I suppose Infantino already knows the final score.

 

[Mr Tree]

Any one else nervous

Just excited. Beer garden for a couple of looseners at 7, pub nearby where we've watched most matches, hopefully we can time it well to get a good spot. Last train home, roll in at 1am - will only get home earlier if the Argies win in 90mins, so better bloody not!

Up at 7, leave at 8, drive across Germany, sleep, drive across Belgium, ferry from Dunkirk, then on for a few days on the Kent coast (not sure what we'll do for the final, hopefully make some excited plans on the journey!). Then finish our two weeks in England by visiting various friends and family. Hopefully with the country basking in the glow of glory. Let's do this!!

 

[fencer/bee]

Any one else nervous

Definitely, although we don't play each other much it always seems they get the better of us , masters of the dark arts , you just know there will be plenty of sh*thousing from them , dropping like flies and messi in the ref's ear all game.
I fear weak officials will bow to them

 

[RAF_Patto]

Just waiting to board our flight back to Cyprus after a long weekend back in the UK. Most of the overheard conversations, especially between Dads & lads, is about tonight's game.

We are due to land just after kick off, so I'm hoping to be back in the car for the end of the first half & home for the (triumphant) highlights. Terrible pre-planning I know.

 

[fencer/bee]

Just waiting to board our flight back to Cyprus after a long weekend back in the UK. Most of the overheard conversations, especially between Dads & lads, is about tonight's game.

We are due to land just after kick off, so I'm hoping to be back in the car for the end of the first half & home for the (triumphant) highlights. Terrible pre-planning I know.

Don't worry your be home in time for the penalty shoot out !

 

[gamidov]

Definitely, although we don't play each other much it always seems they get the better of us , masters of the dark arts , you just know there will be plenty of sh*thousing from them , dropping like flies and messi in the ref's ear all game.
I fear weak officials will bow to them

Martinez will be up to his old tricks.

 

[SQUELCH]

early goal for England required

 

[LongLostBee]

early goal for England required

I'll take an early goal.
And a mid-first half goal.
Plus one just before half time.
With one just after half time for good measure.
Then one later in the second half.
Maybe one in injury time too but that might be a bit greedy.

 

[1889]

I'll take an early goal.
And a mid-first half goal.
Plus one just before half time.
With one just after half time for good measure.
Then one later in the second half.
Maybe one in injury time too but that might be a bit greedy.

I’d also like one just before each hydration break too

 

[RAF_Patto]

Don't worry your be home in time for the penalty shoot out !

Delayed Captain has just said he'll update us of any goals, but we won't be landing until at least HT. Lots of groans from the men on board.

 

[Les Beeavinu]

Starting to sweat up in the Paddock now, jealous of you lot back home who get to watch at 8, I've got to wait until 9.

 

[SmiffyBee]

I've got to find a bar showing the game at 2am in Koh Samui. And manage to stay awake to drag myself down there...

Bondi Aussie Bar

Go Aussie for the evening.
Food on offer too...

 

[Mjlumley]

Starting to sweat up in the Paddock now, jealous of you lot back home who get to watch at 8, I've got to wait until 9.

Talksport reporting that Morgan Rogers will start on the right instead of Madueke/Saka - interesting call

 

[Banana]

Morgan Rogers set to start on right for England in #FIFAWorldCup semi-final v #Argentina. Opportunity would see 23yo Aston Villa forward rewarded after impact off bench against Norway & form for #AVFC + #England across Thomas Tuchel reign
@theathleticfc.bsky.social

Morgan Rogers set to start against Argentina

Morgan Rogers will start for England today on the right flank against Argentina.Rogers has only started one match for England so far at this World Cup. That was the final group-stage game against Panama, when he started in the No 10 role as Jude Bellingham dropped back alongside Elliot Anderson...

www.nytimes.com

 

[Canterbee]

Talksport reporting that Morgan Rogers will start on the right instead of Madueke/Saka - interesting call

Wondering if it's tactical from Tuchel where he's seen something specific to exploit or whether he's decided to bench Madueke on the basis of form. Will be interesting either way to see how he gets on.

 

[Ghost]

Wondering if it's tactical from Tuchel where he's seen something specific to exploit or whether he's decided to bench Madueke on the basis of form. Will be interesting either way to see how he gets on.

Hopefully a straight swap with Madueke. If it effects Bellingham's position or role in anyway, it would be folly.

 

[Les Beeavinu]

Hopefully a straight swap with Madueke. If it effects Bellingham's position or role in anyway, it would be folly.

Wasn't Madueke hooked at half time v Norway? Maybe Tuchel has seen enough.

 

[Canterbee]

Hopefully a straight swap with Madueke. If it effects Bellingham's position or role in anyway, it would be folly.

It's being reported as straight swap as far as I can tell. Agreed in regard to Jude, best to let him get on with it in his position where he clearly thrives.

 

[Vid]

Why is the BBC Six O'Clock News announcing the team unofficially ?

 

[Beelated]

I’m never over keen on playing players in positions they don’t regularly play in, something several England managers have done over the last few decades, but the success of both Saka and Madueke cutting in from the right hasn’t been consistent enough. Rogers does offer more variety from the start so the tactic of seeing what Saka/Madueke can do later in the game is a risk worth taking, if needed, I suppose?

 

[taxi driver]

Wasn't Madueke hooked at half time v Norway? Maybe Tuchel has seen enough.

Good, I have

 

[belvederebee]

Had to kick the tele after yet more visits by BBC and ITV to Kane and Bellingham’s schools. Give it a rest!

 

[upnorthbee]

Morgan Rogers set to start on right for England in #FIFAWorldCup semi-final v #Argentina. Opportunity would see 23yo Aston Villa forward rewarded after impact off bench against Norway & form for #AVFC + #England across Thomas Tuchel reign
@theathleticfc.bsky.social

Morgan Rogers set to start against Argentina

Morgan Rogers will start for England today on the right flank against Argentina.Rogers has only started one match for England so far at this World Cup. That was the final group-stage game against Panama, when he started in the No 10 role as Jude Bellingham dropped back alongside Elliot Anderson...

www.nytimes.com

I really like that actually, always good to have your best players on the pitch and Rogers is certainly one of them, Madueke and a half fit Saka are not

 

[Gazza Bee]

Madueke was garbage v Norway so not surprised that he is benched - Saka can't last 90 minutes but a great option off the bench