Need to know

England vs Argentina referee announcement as racism storm escalates - World Cup round-up

Ismail Elfath has been named the referee for England's semi-final with Argentina with Thomas Tuchel's men battling for a place in the final against either Spain or France

Everything you need to know as the World Cup reaches the semi-final stage and France take on Spain before England face Argentina

1. Outspoken American pundit Alexei Lalas wants to see England reach the World Cup final but only so they can lose in a more heartbreaking manner. "England coming over to our shores, on our 250th birthday, and them winning a World Cup after 60 years... we cannot have that happen," he said. "But this is where I'm torn. Now, they could lose in the semifinal, or they can go to the final and experience the ultimate heartbreak and hurt and lose in the final."
2. But Lalas could not help but concede one thing about Thomas Tuchel's side: "The problem is that this England team is very good and dare I say this... even likeable."
3. England vs Argentina has already seen the kit each team will play in announced. England will play in white, while Argentina will play in navy blue after making a special request to FIFA.
4. The referee for the match has also been confirmed as American official Ismail Elfath. Having already taken charge of three matches, Elfath has already sparked some criticism by allowing excessively aggressive play with some frustration boiling over in Spain vs Uruguay and Brazil vs Norway.
5. Another racism storm has marred the World Cup after former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said France 'don't have any French players'. The France camp has bit back already but now Warren Zaire-Emery has also had his say ahead of the match: "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."
6. France star Adrien Rabiot has rejected the idea his side have a plan for Lamine Yamal. "There is no anti-Lamine Yamal plan. We are focused on the Spanish team, not on a single player, he told reporters.
7. The UK government will announce plans for a conditional bank holiday on Friday, July 24, in the event England end 60 years of hurt at the World Cup. That deal is set to be announced if the Three Lions beat Argentina to give businesses time to prepare.
8. Declan Rice is expected to start against Argentina after being forced off the field early against Norway. The Arsenal midfielder struggled with sickness last week due to suspected food poisoning.
9. FIFA chief Gianni Infantino has departed the World Cup to pay his respects to the late ruler of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. He left Miami on a private jet on Sunday and is expected to quickly return to the US.
10. Lionel Messi will not feature at another World Cup, according to former England star 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 said.
11. Erling Haaland caught the eye by returning to Norway with a stuffed raccoon, but he was also spotted leaving Norway's celebrations with the King early. The Manchester City striker and Sander Berge had to leave for a flight, with Haaland reportedly heading to Catania on holiday.

Follow the latest news and updates from the World Cup: Harry Kane weighs in on England row as Gianni Infantino departs

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