Lionel Messi gets favourite referee for England vs Argentina World Cup semi-final amid rigging claims

The World Cup semi-finals are set: France face Spain on Tuesday, while England take on Argentina in a heavyweight clash on the same day. The match between England and Argentina has been given extra edge by FIFA's announcement of the referee: Ismail Elfath, a familiar figure to Argentina captain Lionel Messi. According to the Daily Mail, Messi gets his favourite referee, despite conspiracy theories that the tournament is 'rigged'. But the path to the final is anything but straightforward. BBC Sport spoke to journalists and fans from the four semi-finalists. Guillem Balague, a Spanish journalist, said: 'France - the best player and the most frightening attack. Argentina - the best idea: doing more with less than anyone else. England - two world-class players on form.' He added that 'this could be England's summer.' Phil McNulty, BBC Sports chief football writer, said: 'I would love to be able to say England, but the evidence of what we have seen so far in this World Cup tells me France will make up for losing to Argentina in Qatar in 2022 by lifting the trophy this time.' He predicted England would reach the final for the first time since 1966 by beating Argentina, but added: 'It is very hard to see past France.' Fans also weighed in. Lionel, a fan, said: 'France will be tough but I think we can beat them and, if we do, we have a strong chance.' Jack noted: 'Argentina are looking strong but England can't be ruled out. They have Harry Kane, who is one of the most difficult strikers in the world.' Michel declared: 'Spain will win the tournament, I have no doubt. No one is giving us a chance against France but we will control the match and beat them. The winners of that game will win the tournament.' One of France, Spain, Argentina or England will be crowned world champions on Sunday in New York. The question remains: will the controversy over the referee selection overshadow the clash, or will England end 60 years of hurt?