Harry Kane has described Englands World Cup semi-final against Argentina as as big as it gets but insists the Three Lions cannot allow themselves to be distracted by the history and emotion surrounding one of footballs fiercest rivalries. England will face the reigning world champions on Wednesday for a place in the World Cup final, with Thomas Tuchels side aiming to reach a third major tournament final in four attempts and move within one victory of ending their 60-year wait for World Cup glory.I mean, what a game, what an occasion to play one of the best teams, the reigning world champions, in a semifinal of a World Cup, Kane told ITV.In these moments, I think back to being a kid and having dreams and what itd be like to play in these games.This is as big as it gets, so Im really excited for this week. I think its going to be a special game and what a tough team to play against but hopefully that brings the best out in us.The meeting will be the first World Cup knockout clash between the nations since their infamous encounters in 1986 and 1998, matches forever associated with Diego Maradonas Hand of God goal and David Beckhams red card in Saint-Etienne.Falklands War dominates headlinesThe wider political backdrop of the Falklands conflict and the continuing dispute over sovereignty of the islands has only added to the scrutiny of the match.However, Kane says Englands players must focus solely on the football.Yeah and no. I think its not something you want to focus too much on, surrounding the history, the captain said when asked if discipline would be particularly important.Yeah, thats all part of it and thats what you guys [in the media] will talk about, the fans will be involved in.But from a players point of view its us against a great team, who are smart, who are tactical, who know how to buy fouls, know how to slow the game down. Like many different teams you come up against throughout your whole career.So, its England versus Argentina, its two of the biggest nations going toe to toe. Two giants in the semifinal of a World Cup. The rest of it is just a small part.For us, we have a focus, we have a preparation that we do in every moment, in every game and this game is no different.The most important thing is that we back ourselves to be successful on this stage. Topics Argentina National Football Team England National Football Team Harry Kane Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Lionel Messi: Every England players record vs Argentina and World Cup icon including three out of four wins for defenders Ben Miller 14th July, 2026 Diego Maradonas son says England clash is not a normal game and urges Argentina fans to remember those killed in the Falklands Jon Fisher 14th July, 2026 England v Argentina: Expected line-ups, stats and where to watch World Cup semi-final between arch-rivals Jon Fisher 14th July, 2026 England v Argentina: Appointment of Elfath as referee for World Cup semi-final unlikely to please Three Lions camp Jon Fisher 14th July, 2026 Lingering Rice doubt leaves England with potential midfield problem Nicholas McGee 14th July, 2026 England prepared for anything against Argentina as Pickford insists Three Lions cant just focus on Messi Nicholas McGee 13th July, 2026
