GETTING CLOSE!

England has reached two World Cup semi-finals in the six decades since winning the World Cup in 1966, The first was in Italia 90 and then in Russia, eight years ago. England has lost the World Cup semi-finals, but this latest fixture reignites an old rivalry! England has lost the past two European Championship Finals but under the roof of the futuristic Atlanta Stadium, England has the chance to compete in their first mens' World Cup Final in 60 years.

England National Club coach, Thomas Tuchel (see below), held a pre-match briefing last night, which had to be moved to a new venue where the huge amount of press interest could be accommodated, such is the interest in this fixture. Tuchel will lead England into the big match, facing a challenge, so far insurmountable since the 1966 Jules Rimet trophy victory 60 years ago.

The match kicks off at 20.00 BST tonight. The country's recent Global record since 2018, includes a defeat in the World Cup semi-final which ended badly for Sir Gareth Southgate, whose team froze following a goal by Kieran Trippier gave them the lead after just 5 minutes. Played in Moscow against Croatia, England lost 1-2 after extra time.  In the delayed 2020 Euro Cup Final, held at Wembley in July 2021 due to the Covid-19 epidemic, England squandered another opportunity after Luke Shaw had put them in the lead after two minutes! England lost on penalties to Italy, a team that had not been able to qualify for the World Cup in the past three attempts!!

The World Cup quarter-final in Qatar, four years ago was simply a match between a very good France and England! Harry Kane missed late penalty which didn't help! The subsequent run to the Euro 2024 Final was stodgey with an odd highlight, but concluded with a poor performance in Berlin as Spain beat Southgate's team 2-1. Now it is up to Tuchel's men whom he says, "We will now want to squeeze the last bit out. I like the energy in the "camp", the players are very excited, very ambitious. That's exactly what we need for this game!"

Assuming Argentina successfully defend their World Cup crown, it will be the first time this has happened since 1962 and just the third time ever....we assume Messi will be at the heart of this success! At present, Messi leads the Golden Boot race with Kylian Mbappe.