England and Argentina meet at Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday night with a place in the FIFA World Cup final at stake and one of international football’s most famous rivalries ready for another defining chapter.The two nations have not faced each other at a World Cup since England’s 1-0 group-stage victory in 2002. Their latest meeting arrives on an even bigger stage, with Thomas Tuchel’s England seeking a first World Cup final since 1966 and Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina still pursuing back-to-back titles.The State Of PlayEngland reached the last four by coming from behind to beat Norway 2-1 after extra time. Jude Bellingham scored both goals, including the late equaliser that kept the Three Lions alive, underlining the resilience that has carried them through a demanding knockout campaign.Argentina also needed extra time in their quarter-final, overcoming ten-man Switzerland 3-1. Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring, while Julián Álvarez produced a spectacular long-range strike before Lautaro Martínez completed the victory. The defending champions have repeatedly found answers under pressure, and their experience in high-stakes matches remains a major asset.For England, the central challenge will be finding greater control without losing the direct threat supplied by Bellingham and captain Harry Kane. Argentina, meanwhile, will look to make Lionel Messi’s movement between the lines count while using Álvarez and Martínez to stretch the English defence.Meridianbet Match OddsThe prices supplied by Meridianbet make this a finely balanced semi-final, with England holding only a narrow advantage in the 90-minute market: The fixture is listed with Meridianbet’s Early Payout feature; applicable rules and terms should be checked on the Meridianbet platform.A Rivalry Built For The Big StageEngland and Argentina have met five times at the World Cup, producing matches that remain part of the tournament’s mythology. Argentina’s victories in 1986 and on penalties in 1998 still carry enormous historical weight, while England’s 2002 win offered a measure of redemption. Wednesday’s match gives a new generation the chance to shape the rivalry in its own image.It will also be Messi’s first senior international appearance against England. The Argentina captain may no longer play every minute at the same tempo, but his ability to decide a match with one pass, set piece or change of direction means England cannot afford to switch off. At the other end, Kane’s movement and Bellingham’s late runs should test an Argentine back line that was pushed deep into extra time by Switzerland.Players To WatchJude Bellingham: England’s quarter-final match-winner has become the side’s most important source of decisive moments.Lionel Messi: Argentina’s creator-in-chief remains capable of changing the semi-final even when space is limited.Julián Álvarez: His energy, pressing and confidence in front of goal could be crucial against England’s defence.Welcome BonusNew customers aged 18 and over can register with Meridianbet and claim the €50 No Deposit Welcome Bonus. Click HERE to view the offer and read the full terms, conditions and eligibility requirements before taking part.The VerdictThe odds reflect how little separates the teams. England have shown they can survive difficult moments and possess several players capable of deciding a tight contest, but Argentina’s tournament experience and ability to manage pressure make the defending champions exceptionally hard to oppose. With both quarter-finals going beyond 90 minutes, patience and the strength of each bench may prove decisive.Prediction: England 1-1 Argentina after 90 minutes; Argentina to progress after extra time or penalties.Play responsibly•