Racism row, kit reveal and Rice fitness update: England vs Argentina semi-final build-up

England will face Argentina in white on Tuesday as the 2026 World Cup reaches its semi-final stage, with the kit choices confirmed after Argentina made a special request to FIFA to wear navy blue. American referee Ismail Elfath has been appointed to take charge of the match, though his selection has drawn criticism following his handling of aggressive play in earlier fixtures.

Declan Rice is expected to be fit to start after being forced off early in England’s win over Norway. The Arsenal midfielder had been suffering from suspected food poisoning in the days prior but has recovered sufficiently to feature.

The UK government is set to announce plans for a conditional bank holiday on Friday, 25 July, should England beat Argentina and reach Sunday’s final — giving businesses time to prepare if the Three Lions end 60 years without a World Cup title.

American pundit Alexei Lalas offered a characteristically provocative take on England’s prospects, saying he did not want them to win on US soil during the country’s 250th anniversary celebrations — but admitted he was torn. “They could lose in the semifinal, or they can go to the final and experience the ultimate heartbreak,” he said. He did, however, concede that Thomas Tuchel’s side are “very good and dare I say this… even likeable.”

The tournament has been clouded by a fresh racism controversy after former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy claimed France “don’t have any French players” ahead of Tuesday’s other semi-final against Spain. France midfielder Warren Zaïre-Emery responded directly: “The French team has players from different backgrounds and origins, as does the country. We are a united group, a united team, and that’s all that matters.”

France’s Adrien Rabiot, meanwhile, played down suggestions his side have a specific plan to neutralise Spain teenager Lamine Yamal. “There is no anti-Lamine Yamal plan. We are focused on the Spanish team, not on a single player,” he told reporters.

Elsewhere, FIFA president Gianni Infantino temporarily left the tournament to pay his respects following the death of former Qatari ruler Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, departing Miami on a private jet on Sunday before being expected to return swiftly.

Former England international Chris Waddle has suggested Lionel Messi is unlikely to appear at another World Cup, adding another layer of significance to Argentina’s semi-final appearance.