Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterAll eyes will be on Atalanta as England and Argentina renew World Cup hostilities.England against Argentina is one of the greatest international match-ups and their latest World Cup meeting on Wednesday night promises to be one for the ages.In total, they have faced off 15 times across all competitions with the Three Lions winning three of their five World Cup encounters but only once in the knockout stage.Referee confirmed for England v Argentina showdownThe reigning world champions aim to extend their title defence against Thomas Tuchel's side, who were made to work for their spot in the last four against Norway.It took them until extra time to see through their quest to bring football home for the first time since 1966 and reach a second World Cup semi-final in eight years. You may like Who is the referee for Argentina vs Algeria? Who will referee the World Cup final? When is the next England football match? Three Lions vs Argentina in the World Cup 2026 semi-final promises to be a huge occasion Argentina, too, required, an additional 30 minutes to put Switzerland to the sword in their quarter-final as Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez came up with the goods.Lionel Messi will be hoping to take the Albiceleste a step closer to their fourth world crown by overcoming England's fearsome pair of Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.But who will be refereeing the last-four encounter in Georgia?Ismail Elfath has been named as the main in the middle at Atlanta Stadium and is considered something of a lucky omen for Messi in his trophy-winning matches.He was the fourth official in Argentina's 2022 World Cup final against France as well as referee for Messi's first success with Inter Miami in the 2023 Leagues Cup final. What to read next Who is Joao Pinheiro? The referee for Argentina vs Switzerland? Who is Francois Letexier? The referee for Argentina vs Egypt England vs Argentina prediction: High-stakes grudge match promises to be game of the tournament Elfath was born in Morocco but became a naturalised United States citizen after he moved to the country at the age of 18 under a Diversity Immigrant Visa.The 44-year-old already took charge of three World Cup fixtures between Japan and Netherlands, Uruguay and Spain as well as Norway's last-16 win over Brazil.In total, he has overseen 334 competitive matches, mostly in his adopted homeland with Major League Soccer, and averages just over three bookings per game.Elfath will be assisted by compatriots Corey Parker and Kyle Atkins while Italy's Maurizio Mariani has been named fourth official for the all-important showdown.TOPICSHarry KaneJude BellinghamLionel MessiArgentinaEnglandWorld CupRichard Buxton
