England's biggest challenge against Argentina in the FIFA World Cup semifinal may not be stopping Lionel Messi alone, but controlling the defending champions' influential midfield. Led by Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister and Leandro Paredes, Argentina have dominated games by controlling possession and creating space for Messi. England's midfield trio of Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham and Elliot Anderson will be key to disrupting that rhythm. Thomas Tuchel's side will also look to exploit space on the wings and avoid sitting too deep against an Argentina team that has repeatedly produced late goals during the tournament. (PC: X)

France's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign ended with a 2-0 semi-final defeat to Spain, but Kylian Mbappe's chase for the Golden Boot is far from over. The France captain remains joint-top scorer with 8 goals and currently leads the standings on the assists tiebreaker. Mbappe will have one final opportunity to increase his tally in the third-place playoff. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi, also on 8 goals, is guaranteed at least one more match with Argentina and could move ahead in the race. England's Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, both on 6 goals, also remain in contention for the tournament's top-scorer award. (PC: HT)

France captain Kylian Mbappe admitted Les Bleus "did not have what it takes" after their 2-0 defeat to Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final, accepting tactical and technical shortcomings. Mbappe said France's high-press strategy failed against Rodri and Fabian Ruiz, allowing Spain to dominate midfield and control possession. He acknowledged France struggled to execute their game plan, repeatedly surrendered possession through poor first touches and failed to capitalise on attacking opportunities. Taking responsibility as captain, Mbappe said the team did not deserve a place in the final. France will now contest the third-place playoff, while Spain advance to the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. (PC: X)

England manager Thomas Tuchel has issued a confident warning ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final, insisting his side "will find a way" to stop Lionel Messi when Argentina and England meet for a place in the final. The blockbuster clash will mark the first-ever meeting between Messi and Tuchel in the Argentine captain's illustrious career. Despite Messi's reputation as one of football's greatest players, Tuchel expressed belief in England's ability to contain the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner through collective tactical discipline. The highly anticipated encounter will decide which team secures a place in the World Cup final, adding another chapter to one of international football's biggest rivalries. (PC: Sven Hoppe/dpa)

India made a strong start to the three-match ODI series by defeating England by six wickets at Edgbaston. After winning the toss, England collapsed from a promising position before recovering to post 258, thanks to resilient half-centuries from Joe Root and Liam Dawson. Axar Patel led India's bowling with four wickets before producing a match-winning unbeaten 57. Shubman Gill anchored the chase with a fluent 80, while Washington Sundar remained unbeaten on 52 to seal victory with 28 balls to spare. The win gives India a 1-0 series lead and a confident response after their recent T20I series defeat. (PC: ANI)

Norway's remarkable FIFA World Cup 2026 journey ended with a narrow 2-1 quarter-final defeat to England, but the team's historic campaign sparked nationwide celebrations. Thousands of supporters packed the streets of Oslo to welcome the players home, applauding their unexpected run to the last eight and their victories over Brazil and Ivory Coast. Captain Martin Ødegaard and star striker Erling Haaland thanked fans for their unwavering support, calling the tournament a turning point for Norwegian football. Despite the disappointment of elimination, the squad's performances have reignited optimism and inspired a new generation of football fans across the country.

France captain Kylian Mbappé openly criticised his team's performance following their 2-0 defeat to Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final. Mbappé admitted France failed both tactically and technically, allowing Spain to control possession and dictate the pace of the match. He highlighted France's inability to press effectively and stop Spain's dominant midfield led by Rodri and Fabián Ruiz. Despite questions over refereeing decisions raised by coach Didier Deschamps, both acknowledged Spain were the superior side on the night. The loss ends France's hopes of reaching a third consecutive World Cup final, leaving them to compete in the third-place playoff. (PC: Reuters)

Lionel Messi is set to face England for the first time in his illustrious international career as Argentina prepare for a blockbuster FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal. The clash is being billed as more than a football match, with Messi's experience, composure and leadership expected to test England's youthful squad and tactical discipline. Argentina will rely on their captain's ability to inspire in decisive moments, while England aim to end their long wait for World Cup glory. The semifinal promises an intense contest of skill, mentality and legacy, with a place in the World Cup final at stake. (PC: PA)

Spain showcased their trademark teamwork with a breathtaking passing move that ended in Pedro Porro's clinical finish during a 2-0 FIFA World Cup semifinal victory over France. The move exposed France's defensive weaknesses and underlined Spain's tactical superiority throughout the match. Mikel Oyarzabal had earlier given Spain the lead from the penalty spot after Lamine Yamal won a foul. France, led by Kylian Mbappé, struggled to cope with Spain's disciplined defence and fluid attacking play. The victory sends Spain to their first World Cup final since 2010, where they will face the winner of England vs Argentina.

Spain produced a dominant display to defeat France 2-0 in the first semifinal of the FIFA World Cup 2026, securing their place in the final. Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Lamine Yamal won a foul, before Pedro Porro doubled Spain's advantage with a well-worked second-half goal. France, led by Kylian Mbappé, struggled to break down Spain's disciplined defence despite creating a few late opportunities. The victory marks Spain's first World Cup final appearance since 2010. They will now face the winner of the England vs Argentina semifinal in the title clash, while France will play the third-place playoff. (PC: Reuters)