England will play Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals on Wednesday, a fixture BBC Sport describes as the team's most significant match since winning the tournament in 1966.
Key facts
- England face Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals on Wednesday.
- BBC Sport describes it as England's biggest match since 1966.
- BBC Sport's Phil McNulty set out why the fixture carries such weight.
England are set to face Argentina in the semi-finals of the World Cup on Wednesday, in a match BBC Sport has billed as the Three Lions’ biggest since their 1966 triumph.
According to the BBC, the fixture represents a landmark moment for the England side as they close in on a place in the World Cup final. The outlet’s Phil McNulty explained why the game holds such significance.
The reference to 1966 recalls the year England last won the World Cup, the benchmark BBC Sport cites when measuring the current squad’s achievement.
The opponent, Argentina, adds to the occasion given the two nations’ long-standing rivalry on the world stage. The semi-final sets up a contest with a place in the final at stake.
BBC Sport’s framing underlines the scale of expectation surrounding the match, with the coverage focused on the historic importance of the fixture for English football.
Why it matters
A World Cup semi-final is one of the rare occasions when a national team can move closer to a first title in decades. For England, BBC Sport's comparison to 1966 highlights how significant a win against Argentina would be for the country's footballing legacy.
Frequently asked questions
When do England play Argentina?
England face Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals on Wednesday, according to BBC Sport.
Why is this being called England's biggest match since 1966?
BBC Sport, via chief football writer Phil McNulty, describes it as the Three Lions' biggest match since 1966, the year England last won the World Cup.
What is at stake in the match?
The fixture is a World Cup semi-final, meaning the winner advances toward the tournament final.