D. Beckham
Ligue 1 · Midfielder · #0 · England · 46 yrs
D. Beckham news
The Guardian view on England’s World Cup disappointment: a tale of the not wholly unexpected | Editorial
There was a sense of deja vu as Argentina came from behind to win an intense semi-final. But the players also gave the nation some memorable highsHistorically, English football-supporting culture has had a well-known darker side. But in recent decades, as the England men’s team’s trophy drought has continued, some of its unofficial anthems have acquired an endearingly melancholy quality. “It was nearly complete, it was nearly so sweet”, as the Three Lions song had it in the 1990s, when England exited a World Cup and a European Championship at the semi-final stage.This summer, Oasis’s Wonderwall has been the soundtrack as Harry Kane and co progressed to Wednesday’s climactic semi-final showdown with Argentina. This is a song which, very wisely in an England context, puts a heavy emphasis on the idea of “maybe”. In the end it turned out to be maybe not. Continue reading...
Kylian Mbappé feels sands of time shifting as France suffer fresh World Cup angst
France’s captain has played with a sense of unfinished business but he will be 31 when the next World Cup beginsIt was only last month that Kylian Mbappé suggested all roads may lead to Florida. He was in sufficiently mischievous mood to reveal David Beckham had been chewing his ear off about a move to Major League Soccer, dangling the prospect of a reunion with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami.“We will see, I don’t know,” he said. “The American culture is different. There are no limits to ambitions, I like it.” Continue reading...
Why isn’t Marcus Rashford starting for England against Argentina at the 2026 World Cup?
With a place in the final at stake, supporters are eager to learn why one of England's most recognizable attacking players is not in line to start such an important fixture. England is set for a huge 2026 World Cup semifinal against Argentina, but Marcus Rashford will begin the match on the bench, prompting plenty of questions ahead of kick-off. With a place in the final at stake, supporters are eager to learn why one of England’s most recognizable attacking players is not in line to start such an important fixture. The Three Lions arrive in Atlanta after overcoming a demanding path through the knockout rounds. Thomas Tuchel’s side defeated DR Congo before edging Mexico 3-2 and then battling past Norway 3-2 after extra time, with Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane continuing to lead England’s charge toward its first World Cup final since 1966. Argentina‘s journey has been equally dramatic. Lionel Scaloni’s squad recovered from a 2-0 deficit to defeat Egypt 3-2, survived extra-time battles against both Cape Verde and Switzerland, and extended its impressive unbeaten World Cup run while chasing a fourth global title. Wednesday’s meeting also revives one of soccer’s greatest rivalries. The two sides have not met since a 3-2 friendly victory for England in 2005, while this will be their first World Cup encounter since David Beckham’s winning penalty separated the teams in the 2002 Group Stage. DateCompetitionH2H ResultNovember 12, 2005International FriendlyArgentina 2-3 EnglandJune 7, 2002FIFA World Cup (Group Stage)Argentina 0-1 EnglandFebruary 23, 2000International FriendlyEngland 0-0 ArgentinaJune 30, 1998FIFA World Cup (Round of 16)Argentina 2-2 England (Argentina won 4-3 on penalties)May 24, 1991England Challenge CupEngland 2-2 Argentina Why Marcus Rashford is not starting Rashford’s absence from England’s starting lineup is understood to be a tactical decision rather than the result of injury or suspension. According to the London Evening Standard and BBC Sport, Tuchel believes other attacking options currently offer a better balance for the way England plans to approach Argentina. Ready for Argentina! 👊 pic.twitter.com/5fSh9K1tir— England (@England) July 15, 2026 The biggest factor is the outstanding form of Anthony Gordon, who has impressed throughout the knockout rounds. Gordon’s work rate, defensive contribution, and ability to stretch opposing defenses have convinced Tuchel to continue trusting him on the left side of England’s attack. Bukayo Saka’s expected return on the opposite wing further reduces opportunities in the starting eleven. With Saka and Gordon occupying the wide positions behind Harry Kane, Rashford finds himself competing with several in-form attackers for limited places. Anthony Gordon of England Tuchel sees Rashford as valuable impact substitute While Rashford will not start, England still views him as an important weapon later in matches. His pace and ability to attack tiring defenders have made him a useful option from the bench throughout the tournament. Marcus Rashford #11 of England reacts after the scoreless draw. It is said that Tuchel believes Rashford can have a greater influence entering the game during the second half rather than beginning from the opening whistle. That approach also allows England to introduce fresh attacking speed if the semifinal becomes stretched during the closing stages. The strategy is one that the coaching staff has already used successfully earlier in the tournament. Rashford previously made a positive contribution after coming off the bench, reinforcing the belief that he can still play a decisive role even without starting.
How Argentina’s win, draw, or loss vs England could impact the 2026 World Cup bracket
While the fixture carries decades of history, its immediate importance lies in how the result will decide the final two matches of the tournament. Argentina and England are set to renew one of soccer’s greatest rivalries in the 2026 World Cup semifinal, with the final result set to determine far more than just bragging rights. While the fixture carries decades of history, its immediate importance lies in how the result will decide the final two matches of the tournament. La Albiceleste’s road to the semifinal has been anything but straightforward. After cruising through the group stage, Lionel Scaloni’s side survived an extra-time battle against Cape Verde, produced a remarkable comeback from 2-0 down to defeat Egypt 3-2, and eventually overcame Switzerland 3-1 after extra time thanks to Julian Alvarez’s decisive strike. England has also been forced to overcome difficult moments throughout the knockout stage. Thomas Tuchel’s squad eliminated DR Congo before edging Mexico 3-2 and then defeating Norway 3-2 after extra time, with Jude Bellingham once again proving decisive. The semifinal also renews one of soccer’s most famous rivalries. The nations have not met since a 3-2 England victory in a 2005 friendly, while this will be their first World Cup encounter since the 2002 group stage, when David Beckham’s penalty separated the teams. DateArgentina’s OpponentStageResultJuly 11, 2026SwitzerlandQuarter-finalsWin (3-1 AET)July 7, 2026EgyptRound of 16Win (3-2)July 3, 2026Cabo VerdeRound of 32Win (3-2 AET)June 27, 2026JordanGroup StageWin (3-1)June 22, 2026AustriaGroup StageWin (2-0)June 16, 2026AlgeriaGroup StageWin (3-0) Both sides enter the contest with superstar forwards leading their attacks. Lionel Messi has scored eight goals during the tournament, while Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have each found the net six times, keeping the Golden Boot race alive heading into the final four. DateEngland’s OpponentStageResultJuly 11, 2026NorwayQuarter-finalsWin (2-1 AET)July 5, 2026MexicoRound of 16Win (3-2)July 1, 2026DR CongoRound of 32Win (2-1)June 27, 2026PanamaGroup StageWin (2-0)June 23, 2026GhanaGroup StageTie (0-0)June 17, 2026CroatiaGroup StageWin (4-2) What happens if Argentina wins and England loses? Should Argentina defeat England, regardless of whether the victory comes in regulation time, extra time, or penalties, the reigning world champion would advance to the 2026 World Cup Final. Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrates with Julian Alvarez #9 after scoring against Egypt. Their reward would be a showdown against Spain, which booked its place by defeating France in the first semifinal. Victory over England would also keep alive Argentina’s dream of becoming the first nation in more than six decades to successfully defend the World Cup title. England, meanwhile, would see its championship hopes end and instead prepare for the third-place playoff against France. The Albiceleste enters the semifinal having survived several demanding knockout matches, including extra-time victories over Cape Verde and Switzerland, while also recovering from a two-goal deficit against Egypt. What happens if the match is tied after 90 minutes? Unlike league competitions, a draw cannot be the final result in a World Cup semifinal. If the score remains level after 90 minutes, two 15-minute periods of extra time will immediately follow. Should neither team break the deadlock after 120 minutes, the semifinal would be settled by a penalty shootout. Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina take a penalty kick This scenario would significantly increase the physical demands on both squads, especially considering each side has already endured exhausting knockout encounters during the tournament. The eventual winner of the shootout would advance to face Spain, while the defeated side would move into the third-place match against France. DateCompetitionH2H ResultNovember 12, 2005International FriendlyArgentina 2-3 EnglandJune 7, 2002FIFA World Cup (Group Stage)Argen
'I was there for David Beckham's Argentina redemption in 2002 - what happened next was surreal'
David Beckham's penalty knocked Argentina out of the World Cup at the group stage in 2002, four years after his sending off against the same country. Mirror's chief sports writer Andy Dunn recalls the game
Thomas Tuchel: ‘Argentina will be fuelled by history – but we are ready’
Falklands conflict adds ‘emotional’ edge to semi-finalManager has ‘no problem’ with Bellingham after outburstThomas Tuchel believes England will face an Argentina team “fuelled by history” in their World Cup semi-final in Atlanta on Wednesday. It will be the sixth time that the nations have met at the tournament with the previous three coming after the Falklands war of 1982.The most controversial game was in the 1986 quarter-finals when Diego Maradona scored his “Hand of God” goal and Argentina won 2-1 en route to the title. Argentina triumphed on penalties in the last 16 in 1998 when David Beckham was sent off. Beckham gained a measure of revenge four years later when he scored from the penalty spot for a 1-0 group-stage victory. England won 3-1 at the group phase in 1962 and 1-0 in the quarter-finals in 1966, when they went on to become champions. Continue reading...
Why Argentina asked FIFA to wear the blue jersey against England in the 2026 World Cup semifinal
Argentina's request to use the blue kit in the 2026 World Cup semifinals against England has been accepted, but questions over the nature of the petition started to raise. Argentina and England meet again at a World Cup, this time with a place in the 2026 final on the line. One of the more intriguing stories to emerge ahead of the match is Argentina’s formal request to FIFA to wear their blue away kit, a decision rooted in history and superstition. On Sunday, the day after both semifinalists secured their quarterfinal victories, TyC Sports journalist and Argentina insider Gaston Edul reported that the Albiceleste national team had submitted a request to Argentina Football Association (AFA) FIFA to wear their navy blue away kit against the Three Lions. With England designated as Team A and Argentina as Team B for the semifinal, Argentina were already slated to wear the blue kit by default, but England retained the option to request a change if they wished. Argentina’s formal submission was made to remove any doubt and lock in the choice. The request was approved, with England wearing white and Argentina taking the field in navy blue. The reason behind Argentina’s blue kit request The decision was driven by the blue kit’s remarkable record in Argentina’s World Cup history against England, a jersey associated with some of the most iconic moments in the rivalry and treated by the Albiceleste as a powerful good omen. Jorge Valdano of Argentina faces Terry Fenwick in the 1986 World Cup. (Michael King/Getty Images) The most legendary chapter came at the 1986 World Cup quarterfinals, a 2-1 victory that produced both Diego Maradona’s Hand of God and his Goal of the Century. The blue kit delivered again in the 1998 Round of 16, a match remembered for David Beckham’s red card following a clash with Diego Simeone, with Argentina advancing via penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw. The 2026 World Cup in Atlanta will mark the fourth time Argentina wear the blue navy kit against England. The first was at Chile 1962, a 3-1 group stage defeat. Notably, the two times Argentina have worn the traditional white and light blue against England in the World Cup, they lost both, 1-0 in the 1966 quarterfinals and 1-0 in the 2002 group stage. One last positive omen for England While the blue kit holds a strong record in World Cup encounters between these two nations, the most recent head-to-head in that jersey offers England some encouragement. The last time Argentina wore navy blue against the Three Lions was on November 10th, 2005, and England came away with a 3-2 win. Argentina dominated possession and led 2-1 heading into the final ten minutes, with goals from Hernán Crespo and Walter Samuel against Wayne Rooney’s reply. But Michael Owen had other ideas, leveling in the 86th minute before completing the turnaround in stoppage time to hand England the victory, albeit in a friendly rather than a competitive fixture.