England captain Harry Kane once received shooting tips from Argentina legend Diego Maradona, a piece of football history that adds a compelling subplot to Tuesday's World Cup semi-final between England and the defending champions. Kane, then a rising star at Tottenham Hotspur, met Maradona in 2016 when the Argentine icon offered advice on finishing, telling the young striker to use the knowledge against Argentina one day. That day has arrived.
Kane now leads England into a high-stakes clash against Argentina in the World Cup semi-final, with a place in the final on the line. The match, set for an 8pm kick-off in London, is expected to draw up to 26 million viewers across the UK, according to industry forecasts. Pubs across the country are preparing for a surge in business, with predictions of nearly 10 million extra pints being sold during the game.
The encounter represents the toughest test of the summer for Gareth Southgate's side, according to pundits. England have impressed in the tournament so far, but Argentina, the reigning world champions, boast a formidable squad led by Lionel Messi. The Three Lions will need to be at their best to overcome a team that has not lost a competitive match in over two years.
Kane's form has been a talking point throughout the tournament. The England captain has scored three goals so far, but his overall play has drawn criticism from some quarters. England manager Thomas Tuchel, however, has defended his striker, insisting that Kane's contribution goes beyond goals. Tuchel said Kane is "trying to drag" the best out of his teammates, a comment that came after Jude Bellingham appeared to be annoyed by remarks made following England's dramatic win over Norway in the quarter-finals.
The semi-final also carries historical weight. England and Argentina have a storied rivalry, most famously defined by Maradona's "Hand of God" goal in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final. That match, which Argentina won 2-1, remains a painful memory for English fans. Now, Kane has the chance to write a different narrative, using the very advice Maradona gave him nearly a decade ago.
Maradona, who died in 2020, was one of the greatest players in football history. His meeting with Kane in 2016 was widely reported at the time, with Maradona praising the young Englishman's potential. "He has a great future," Maradona said then. "I gave him some tips on shooting. I told him, 'Now use it against them.'" That advice now takes on new significance as Kane prepares to face Argentina.
England's path to the semi-final has been marked by resilience. After a slow start in the group stage, the team grew in confidence, with standout performances from Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, and Declan Rice. The quarter-final win over Norway was particularly dramatic, with England coming from behind to secure a 3-2 victory in extra time. Bellingham's post-match comments, in which he appeared to criticise the team's tactics, sparked a brief controversy, but Kane and Tuchel have moved to downplay any tension.
Argentina, meanwhile, have been dominant. Messi, at 38, continues to defy age, scoring four goals and providing three assists in the tournament. The defending champions have not conceded a goal in their last four matches, a testament to their defensive solidity. England will need to find a way past a backline marshalled by Cristian Romero and Nicolas Otamendi.
The match is expected to be a tactical battle. Southgate is likely to stick with the 4-3-3 formation that has served England well, while Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni may opt for a more cautious approach, given England's attacking threat. The midfield battle, in particular, will be crucial, with Bellingham and Rice up against Argentina's Enzo Fernandez and Rodrigo De Paul.
Off the pitch, the economic impact of the semi-final is significant. The British Beer and Pub Association estimates that pubs could sell an additional 10 million pints, generating millions of pounds in revenue. Supermarkets and off-licences are also expected to see a spike in sales, as fans stock up for home viewings. The match is being broadcast live on ITV, with coverage starting at 7pm.
For Kane, the semi-final is an opportunity to cement his legacy. The England captain has scored 65 goals for his country, but he has yet to win a major trophy. A victory over Argentina would put England within touching distance of their first World Cup title since 1966. It would also be a fitting tribute to Maradona's advice, even if it comes at the expense of the Argentine legend's homeland.
As kick-off approaches, the nation holds its breath. England vs Argentina is more than a football match; it is a clash of cultures, histories, and footballing philosophies. For Kane, it is the chance to use the lessons of the past to shape the future.
