The 2022 World Cup champions, Argentina, are set to face off against England in a highly anticipated semi-final match, with the Argentinian team seeking a psychological edge by wearing their second strip, a navy blue kit.
Argentina's decision to don their iconic light blue and white stripes, which are typically reserved for special occasions, is a nod to their rich history with England. The two teams have met on five previous occasions at World Cups, with England emerging victorious on three of those occasions.
The rivalry between Argentina and England dates back to 1986, when Diego Maradona scored two iconic goals, including the infamous 'Hand of God' goal, to eliminate England from the World Cup. Argentina has turned to the past in an attempt to gain a psychological edge, with coach asking for the team to wear the same navy blue kit that Maradona wore in 1986.
In a special request, Argentina has been given the green light to wear their second strip, complete with white shorts and red socks, according to FIFA's official Match Colour Designation release. This will be the first time that Argentina has worn this kit in a World Cup semi-final.
England, meanwhile, will take to the field in their white strip, with goalkeeper Jordan Pickford set to wear the same yellow kit that he wore for the side's quarter-final victory over Norway. The Three Lions have not locked horns with Argentina since 2005, when Michael Owen struck twice late to inspire a Sven-Goran Eriksson-led team to victory in an entertaining friendly.
Argentina's decision to wear their navy blue kit has raised eyebrows, but the team's talisman, Lionel Messi, has expressed his excitement at the prospect of facing England. "The truth is, yes, it is always special to play against the big teams," Messi said. "It never happened to me against England, it's the first time, so it's going to be a special match, a World Cup semi-final."
England's manager, however, remains focused on the task at hand. "Now we'll rest and prepare for that. We've come from a lot of effort, playing a long game and, well, sometimes it shows," he said. "Obviously, everything I saw and remember is from videos and images that Argentinians constantly watch and relive [from 1986]. But I think this group is used to playing football matches regardless of the opponent."
