Argentina’s vice-president branded England “invaders” on the eve of the World Cup semi-final, as rival fans clashed in Atlanta and police braced for the tournament’s “highest risk” match. The incendiary comment, reported by The Independent, reignites the bitter rivalry between the two nations ahead of Wednesday’s showdown at the Atlanta Stadium – England’s biggest match since winning the 1966 final, according to BBC Sport’s Phil McNulty.
The build-up has been marred by violence. Hundreds of Argentina fans gathered for a rally in central Atlanta, where footage captured a lone England supporter being mobbed by Argentina-supporting thugs in a street brawl. The Daily Mail described the contest as the “highest risk” match of the tournament, with police on high alert. Some Argentina fans waved Falklands flags, a move that will fuel the political undertones.
“Argentina VP calls England 'invaders' as fan clashes and flag rows overshadow World Cup semi-final.”
Thomas Tuchel’s side are one win away from reaching their first men’s World Cup final in 60 years. “The result is fantastic, we’re in the last four – it’s amazing,” Tuchel said after England’s 2-1 victory over Norway, though he admitted he was “not happy with the performance”. The German coach also faced a backlash from ITV viewers: 443 Ofcom complaints were lodged after reporter Gabriel Clarke’s post-match interviews with Tuchel and Jude Bellingham. Clarke questioned whether England had a “mentality problem”, prompting Tuchel to snap: “It’s not a mentality problem – this is pure mentality. How can you ask about mentality now?”
Away from the pitch, a Liberal Democrat-run council in Portsmouth ordered the removal of a St George’s Cross flag from a flat balcony, citing fire safety. Doorbell cam footage showed workers cutting it down. Reform UK councillor George Madgwick called the decision “shocking”, while Suella Braverman labelled it “ridiculous”. The council said the flag breached policy – despite guidance stating residents “are free to hang flags responsibly on their own property”. In Bristol, the Green-run council told residents not to put up England flags, but residents on Torrington Avenue defied the order and festooned the 300-yard street with the flags.
England last reached a World Cup semi-final in 2018, losing 2-1 to Croatia after extra time. Their previous semi-final was in 1990. They have lost the past two European Championship finals. Argentina, meanwhile, are the defending champions and have Lionel Messi in their ranks. The winner faces Spain, who beat France 2-0 on Tuesday.
The match kicks off at 20:00 BST, broadcast live on BBC One and iPlayer. The question now is whether Tuchel’s “nearly men” can finally deliver – or whether 60 years of hurt will stretch to 64.