India, July 14 -- Argentina have reportedly had a special request granted by FIFA ahead of their World Cup 2026 semi-final against England in Atlanta, and if history is anything to go by, it is a development that will hardly comfort the Three Lions.

For the first time in 21 years, Argentina and England will renew one of football's fiercest rivalries. Their last meeting came in a friendly in Geneva in 2005, where England edged Argentina 3-2. Lionel Messi was not even part of the senior national team then, with his international debut still months away.

On the World Cup stage, however, this fixture carries far greater significance. The two nations have met five times, with England winning three. The most recent meeting came in the 2002 gr...