England are gearing up for a monumental World Cup semi-final clash with bitter rivals Argentina and praying a star man is fit for the encounter.
Declan Rice's sickness has cast a shadow over preparations for the showdown with the reigning world champions, spearheaded by Lionel Messi. The Arsenal midfielder is vital to Thomas Tuchel's side and we have an update on his condition, along with a racism storm that has reared its ugly head.
Meanwhile, there's an American loudmouth who has sided against England. Here's everything you need to know in our daily morning round-up, as the World Cup enters the semi-final stage, with France squaring off against Spain before England take on Argentina.
Lionel Messi and Argentina await for England
Lionel Messi and Argentina await for England(Image: Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto/Shutterstock)
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American pundit's taunts
Outspoken American commentator Alexei Lalas is keen to see England make it to the World Cup final, but only so they can suffer a more devastating defeat.
The FOX Sports pundit, who clashed with football icon Zlatan Ibrahimovic on TV earlier in the tournament, has now been mouthing off about the Three Lions.
Alexi Lalas, left, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, right, of FOX Sports
Alexi Lalas, left, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, right, of FOX Sports(Image: AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
The former USA centre-back said: "England coming over to our shores, on our 250th birthday, and them winning a World Cup after 60 years... we cannot have that happen.
"But this is where I'm torn. Now, they could lose in the semi-final, or they can go to the final and experience the ultimate heartbreak and hurt and lose in the final."
However, Lalas couldn't resist admitting one thing about Thomas Tuchel's squad: "The problem is that this England team is very good and dare I say this... even likeable."
Declan Rice latest
Declan Rice has been ill
Declan Rice has been ill(Image: Getty Images)
Declan Rice is anticipated to start against Argentina after being forced to leave the pitch early during the Norway game.
The Arsenal midfielder was battling illness last week due to suspected food poisoning and was substituted at half-time during the 2-1 quarter-final victory.
Meanwhile, Messi, 39, who has never faced England before, is unlikely to grace another World Cup, according to ex-Three Lions ace Chris Waddle.
"If he thought the team would be better off without him, he would stand aside. I'd be very surprised if you see him at the next World Cup as a player," he commented.
Referee concern and match announcement
Agustin Canobbio of Uruguay is shown a red card by referee Ismail Elfath during the clash with Spain
Agustin Canobbio of Uruguay is shown a red card by referee Ismail Elfath during the clash with Spain
The match official for England vs Argentina has been confirmed as American referee Ismail Elfath.
Having already officiated three matches, Elfath has drawn some criticism for seemingly permitting overly aggressive play, with tempers flaring in Spain versus Uruguay and Brazil versus Norway, both of which he officiated.
He was criticised in Spain for allegedly allowing Uruguay's physical approach throughout the match, though he did send off Agustin Canobbio who then confronted him in anger at the end of the 1-0 victory for the Spanish.
The kit each team will wear for England versus Argentina has been revealed. England will don their white strip, while Argentina will sport navy blue after submitting a special request to FIFA.
This means the Albiceleste will wear the same colours they donned for their famous victories over the Three Lions in both 1986 and 1998.
Racism storm
Former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy
Former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy(Image: AFP/Getty Images)
Another racism controversy has tainted the World Cup after former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy claimed France "don't have any French players".
The French squad has already responded, and now Warren Zaire-Emery has also weighed in ahead of the match.
He said: "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."
Meanwhile, French star Adrien Rabiot has dismissed the notion that his team has a strategy for Lamine Yamal. "There is no anti-Lamine Yamal plan. We are focused on the Spanish team, not on a single player," he informed journalists.
Bank holiday?
The UK government is set to announce plans for a conditional bank holiday on Friday, July 24, should England end their 60-year World Cup drought.
This arrangement is expected to be revealed if the Three Lions defeat Argentina, allowing businesses time to prepare for what would be an unprecedented celebration.