SOCCER: England's resilience faces ultimate test against Argentina in World Cup semi-final

KANSAS CITY, Missouri – England is one win away from reaching its first FIFA World Cup final since 1966 after booking a semifinal showdown against defending champion Argentina, renewing one of football's most historic rivalries.

Fresh off a hard-fought 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway in the quarterfinals, England advanced to the last four for the second time in the past three World Cups. The team previously reached the semifinals at the 2018 tournament in Russia, where it lost to Croatia in extra time.

England's only World Cup triumph came in 1966 when it lifted the trophy on home soil. Now, manager Thomas Tuchel's squad has the opportunity to move within one victory of ending the nation's 60-year wait for another title.

England's campaign has been built on resilience, overcoming deficits in both of its knockout-stage matches to stay alive in the tournament. Tuchel praised his players' determination and fighting spirit.

"They just refuse to give in. They just refuse to accept defeat," Tuchel said. "They overcome setbacks. They put in the work. There is not even a one-percent complaint about that."

Despite the dramatic victories, Tuchel believes England still has room to improve.

"To overcome adversity and find ways to win is at the absolute highest level," he said. "We found a way, we're in the last four, which is the most important thing. But I still think we can and have to play better football."

Captain Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have led England's attack throughout the tournament. The pair has scored six goals each, accounting for 12 of England's 13 goals. They are the first teammates to score at least six goals each in a single World Cup.

Bellingham enters the semifinal in outstanding form after scoring four goals in his last two matches.

"World-class performance from a world-class player in big, big moments," Tuchel said. "Absolute top class."

Forward Noni Madueke said Bellingham's performances have become almost routine.

"It's unbelievable what he's doing," Madueke said. "It's very normal, though, for him."

England endured a physically demanding quarterfinal against Norway, with several players battling cramps and illness in the intense heat.

Tuchel revealed that midfielder Declan Rice, who was substituted at halftime on Saturday, had spent much of the previous three days confined to bed because of illness.

Madueke, however, said the team's focus remains solely on winning.

"Listen, if we play like this and win the next two games, I don't mind. I'm not bothered," he said.

The upcoming semifinal adds another chapter to one of the World Cup's greatest rivalries. England and Argentina have met five times previously in the tournament.

England won their first two meetings in 1962 and in the 1966 quarterfinals before Argentina prevailed in the memorable 1986 quarterfinal, highlighted by Diego Maradona's controversial "Hand of God" goal and his spectacular solo effort.

Argentina later eliminated England on penalties in the 1998 Round of 16, while England claimed a 1-0 victory during the group stage of the 2002 World Cup through David Beckham's penalty.

England will draw confidence from its most recent major tournament semifinal, when Ollie Watkins scored a late winner to defeat the Netherlands 2-1 at UEFA Euro 2024 and send the team into the final.

Now, England faces another formidable challenge against Lionel Scaloni's reigning world champions, with a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on the line.

Tuchel admitted the emotional intensity of international tournament football surpasses anything he experienced in club management.

"I feel very alive in these moments," he said. "This is where I want to be. I don't want to be anywhere else in the world."

With Kane's leadership, Bellingham's brilliance, and a growing belief that they can overcome any obstacle, England hopes its remarkable World Cup journey will continue for at least one more match. -Reporting by Lori Ewing; Editing by Hugh Lawson/Reuters