Ruben Dias and Erling Haaland have already been confirmed as two of the Manchester City captains for the 2026-27 season. All that was unknown was who would be joining them in City's captaincy group. Enzo Maresca has revealed who will be joining Haaland and Dias in City's captaincy group. On first glance, Maresca has made two obvious and quality choices when naming the other two players who will complete Manchester City's captaincy quartet.
Enzo Maresca faced the media earlier today ahead of Manchester City's upcoming Premier League fixture against Coventry City at the Etihad Stadium. The Manchester City manager was asked what new signing Enzo Fernandez would bring to Maresca's squad and if the Argentinian midfielder would be in Manchester City's captaincy group for the upcoming season. While answering what Fernandez adds to City's squad, Maresca also revealed who Manchester City's four captains would be. He said: "I know Enzo quite well, I know what he can bring. He's a winner, he has a winning mentality, World Cup, Club World Cup. The main thing is that he's a winner." Captain? "No, the captain is Ruben, Erling, Marc Guehi and Gigi Donnarumma."
Ruben Dias and Erling Haaland were obvious choices to be two of Manchester City's captains for this season. They were in City's leadership group last season and were two clear stand-out candidates to return to their posts under Enzo Maresca. The question was who would join them. Gianluigi Donnarumma and Marc Guehi are the players who claimed that ***** le.
Both of Gianluigi Donnarumma and Marc Guehi are quality leaders. Marc Guehi was Crystal Palace's captain before he joined City. Guehi leads by example in a quiet and unassuming manner and his leadership style do combine well with Haaland and Dias. Gianluigi Donnarumma is a pillar at the back for City. He is a vociferous character and he does set the tone in goal. It is often Donnarumma who celebrates his teammates defensive contributions and his is key pillar of this City side.
Gianluigi Donnarumma, Marc Guehi, Erling Haaland, and Ruben Dias will form Manchester City's captaincy group for the 2026-27 season. Each player brings their own strengths to the role and they will be hoping to lead Manchester City to success this season.

#maresca

Manchester City faces Crystal Palace on Friday in both teams' second match of the new Premier League season, with City hoping to build on its last-gasp win in the opener after finishing runner-up last year.
Defenders Marc Guéhi and Joško Gvardiol scored in the 84th and 91st minutes to earn the full three points for Manchester City against Bournemouth in Enzo Maresca's first competitive match since taking over as manager from the departed Pep Guardiola.
Maresca told reporters a day before Friday's game at Selhurst Park in London that new signing Ayyoub Bouaddi is settling in with the team but City will be careful with the 18-year-old Moroccan midfielder signed from Lille.
"In this case we need to go slowly because he is very young and came from a different country," Maresca said. "So no rush for him but for sure he is going to help us now and in the future."
Here's how Manchester City could line up on Friday:

#manchester #last #palace

Manchester City face their first away trip of the 2026-27 Premier League tonight when they take on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Enzo Maresca's side will be looking to build momentum after their late come-from-behind victory at the Etihad Stadium last Sunday.
Crystal Palace will be looking to grab their first points of the season after they were beaten 2-0 by Everton at the Hill ****** inson Stadium in their opening Premier League fixture of the season last weekend. Crystal Palace are now managed by Pierre Sage. Sage replaced Oliver Glasner as Palace's manager after an impressive spell in charge of RC Lens.
Here is the latest City team news and my predicted Manchester City starting eleven ahead of tonight's match.
Jeremy Doku is the only Manchester City player unavailable for tonight's match due to injury. The Belgian international is currently ruled out due to the calf injury he sustained during the first half of Manchester City's 3-0 FA Community Shield defeat to ****** nal. Elliot Anderson is fit and should start tonight after being substituted against Bournemouth after suffering from cramp. Enzo Maresca also told the media yesterday that Matheus Nunes is continuing to work his way back to full fitness.
Enzo Maresca sprung a surprise last weekend against Bournemouth by starting Marc Guehi in midfield. He could decide to go with that particular move again tonight. Guehi slotted into midfield seamlessly and if asked to step into midfield again, Marc Guehi knows what his manager expects.

#palace #guehi

Unfortunately for Elliot Anderson, his home debut for Manchester City only lasted 63 minutes. The England international was substituted due to cramp in the second half of Manchester City's 2-1 win over Bournemouth. However, it may have been Maresca's plan to take off Anderson around that time of the game anyway before cramp struck. While Anderson was on the pitch, he showed plenty of positive signs and it is easy to see how his strengths as a player will suit this Manchester City side.
Until Elliot Anderson was substituted after 63 minutes, he was nearly the best-performing player on the pitch for Manchester City against Bournemouth. Anderson played alongside Marc Guehi in the double pivot that Enzo Maresca prefers to use in midfield. With Marc Guehi playing in an unfamiliar role, Anderson was more than willing to drop in and offer Guehi an option when the makeshift midfielder had possession. That was pleasing to see and showed that Anderson had a great read on the situation at hand.
In terms of what Anderson offered in possession that really caught the eye. As per Anderson's pass map on SofaScore, the Manchester City midfielder received possession all over the pitch. When City had possession in the final third, he took up the 'Kevin De Bruyne' position on the right. Once Anderson and his teammates are on the same wavelength this should be a viable source for City to create chances and goals.
Where Elliot Anderson's radar was just off was with his long passing. He completed 1/4 but it was easy to see how much Anderson's ability to switch the play and break the lines will be vital to Enzo Maresca's side. Also, Elliot Anderson's set-piece delivery looms as a major weapon. He should have had his first Manchester City ***** ist just after halftime as his pinpoint corner was met by Marc Guehi. Unfortunately, Guehi headed a great chance from two yards out wide of the target. Despite this, Anderson's set-piece delivery should be a weapon that City profit off of.
One of the major strengths of Elliot Anderson's play is his ability to cover the pitch out of possession and win duels. With how Manchester City's win over Bournemouth played out, this wasn't a standout aspect of his performance. But you could still see how his energy and ability to work for his team out of possession will help shape Manchester City's rebuild midfield.

#manchester

The future of Nico Gonzalez at Manchester City became painstakingly clear on Sunday. Marc Guehi started in midfield and the Spanish midfielder was an unused substitute in City's 2-1 win over Bournemouth. The fact that Guehi was preferred in midfield to Nico Gonzalez said all you needed to know about where he stands in Enzo Maresca's squad. It has been reported that Nico Gonzalez is set to sign for Newcastle United. That move may not be popular, but it may be for the best for Nico and Manchester City.
Nico Gonzalez is set to complete a permanent move to Newcastle United. Fabrizio Romano reports that Manchester City and Newcastle have agreed on a £50 million package that will see the Spanish midfielder depart the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders. It is reported that Newcastle will pay £47 million plus £3 million in add-ons. Romano also reports that Nico will be a key player for Newcastle as they bid to replace Bruno Guimarães and Sandro Tonali.
During his time at Manchester City, Nico Gonzalez didn't really put a foot wrong. He was signed during the January 2025 transfer window when Pep Guardiola's squad was in desperate need of midfield reinforcement. He showed glimpses during the back end of that season that he could grow and become a consistent contributor for Pep Guardiola's side. He did play really well in the Rodri role during the first half of last season. However, when Rodri returned from injury, Nico's opportunities to play dried up.
During the closing stages of last season, Nico Gonzalez was left out of Manchester City's matchday squad altogether. It was thought that with Enzo Maresca coming in the equation could change for Nico. But it has not. Instead, he is on the verge of signing for Newcastle. Also, if Nico had come on as expected, perhaps Manchester City would not have been so eager to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille.
In the end, perhaps it is the right move for Manchester City to sell Nico Gonzalez to Newcastle. The Spanish midfielder should be an important player for them and he will get the opportunity to play regularly which wasn't going to arrive at City. That is probably the best move for all concerned despite it being an unpopular move.

#newcastle #squad

Nico Gonzalez is getting closer to joining Newcastle as the north-east club are growing more likely to sign a replacement for Bruno Guimaraes.
While Newcastle are yet to agree a fee with Manchester City for the Spaniard, there is a growing expectation they will.
Gonzalez is set to join City's midfield exodus this summer after Bernardo Silva, Tijjani Reijnders and Rodri have already left the Etihad Stadium.
The former Barcelona player joined City from Porto in January 2025 for £49m and has gone on to make 59 appearances, scoring four goals.
But he was left an unused substitute for Sunday's 2-1 win over Bournemouth, when centre-back Marc Guehi instead played in midfield.

#gonzalez #newcastle #growing #bruno

When the Manchester City starting lineup was announced prior to City's 2-1 win over Bournemouth yesterday, it did appear that Nico O'Reilly, Rico Lewis, and Elliot Anderson would form City's midfield. However, that was not the case. Rico Lewis lined up at right-back, with Ruben Dias, Abdukodir Khusanov and Josko Gvardiol starting in defence. Elliot Anderson, Nico O'Reilly, and Marc Guehi formed Manchester City's midfield. A criticism of Manchester City's play in the four preseason matches they played before yesterday's match was how open their midfield was. By starting Guehi and Anderson together, Enzo Maresca addressed this issue. Guehi put in a strong display in midfield, which fully justified Maresca's decision to play Guehi in City's engine room.
Manchester City have one of the elite centre-backs in the Premier League in Marc Guehi. Guehi has quickly established himself as an important player for his team since signing for the club from Crystal Palace during the January transfer window. Yesterday he once again showed his importance to Enzo Maresca's side, albeit in a completely different role.
Marc Guehi played in midfield yesterday. To his credit, he looked right at home in his new role. Guehi was good on possession, and he did get himself in the right positions out of possession. Typically, when a centre-back plays in midfield, they look clunky. Guehi was the exact opposite yesterday. He was integral to City's possession dominance, and his pairing with Elliot Anderson and then Mateo Kovacic was crucial to City's win.
Marc Guehi was a threat going forward at times yesterday, especially in the second half. He should have scored just after halftime when he missed a header from two yards out five minutes after halftime. Guehi did create one great opportunity for Erling Haaland in the 75th minute as he showed that he knew when to get forward. Eventually, Guehi got his goal in the 84th minute when he headed home a Rayan Cherki corner.
Come the final whistle, Geuhi had put in an brilliant all-around display in midfield and he fully vindicated Maresca's decision to start him in midfield.

#manchester

Manchester City left it late to beat Bournemouth 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium to begin their 2026-27 Premier League campaign in the right fashion. Marcus Tavernier gave Bournemouth the lead in the 26th minute. Enzo Maresca's side squandered several gilt-edged chances before they finally found their equalizer through Marc Guehi in the 84th minute. Josko Gvardiol scored the winner in the 91st minute. Rayan Cherki set up both of City's late goals. When Manchester City needed more creativity and someone to unlock Bournemouth's defence, it was Cherki who provided his team with the inspiration that they needed.
Rayan Cherki and Mateo Kovacic replaced Nico O'Reilly and Elliot Anderson in the 63rd minute of yesterday's match. Manchester City needed a creative spark to find an equalizer despite the fact that they had squandered a host of great chances up until that point in the match.
After coming off the bench, Rayan Cherki immediately provided Enzo Maresca's side with the creative spark that they needed to go up a gear and beat Bournemouth. He created four chances and gave his team the creative spark that they desperately needed.
It was Cherki who set up both of Manchester City's late goals. Cherki's inch-perfect delivery from the corner that Marc Guehi headed home to make it 1-1 was the first. Rayan Cherki delivered an exquisite corner from the right with his left foot that Marc Guehi headed home to equalize for City. In the 91st minute, it was Cherki's close control, neat footwork and supreme vision that set up Josko Gvardiol's late winner.
Enzo Maresca turned to Rayan Cherki to give his team the creative lift they needed. The French international did exactly that. Alongside Matheus Nunes and Mateo Kovacic, Enzo Maresca's substitutions were bang on yesterday and helped his team claim the three points they so desperately wanted.

#cherki #manchester #late

Manchester City showed improvement from the side who were bashed 3-0 by ******* nal in last Sunday's Community Shield - but for most of this game it looked as if Enzo Maresca was going to start with consecutive defeats.
Replacing a legend is always difficult - as David Moyes experienced when Sir Alex Ferguson left neighbours Manchester United in 2013 - and the late comeback will come as a major relief in their first Premier League game without Pep Guardiola in a decade.
City did not exactly promote from within when hiring Maresca, who quit as Chelsea manager at the start of 2026, but the Italian was Guardiola's City ******* istant in 2022-23 and would perhaps be seen as something of a continuity candidate.
It was a very shaky start though and they went 1-0 down at home on the opening day of a Premier League campaign for the first time since 1995-96 - the season they ended up being relegated.
Maresca's team selection confused many, with six players who have played most of their City games in defence starting on Sunday - including Guehi in midfield.

#manchester #premier #league #game

Match Report
Marcus Tavernier slotted the visitors ahead shortly before the half-hour mark against the run of play.
Maresca's side remained calm and continued to dominate possession, but were met by a resolute Bournemouth backline.
After 84 minutes, substitute Rayan Cherki's corner was met by the head of Marc Guéhi to level the encounter.
GALLERY: MAGICAL CHERKI PICKS OFF CHERRIES!

#match #report #tavernier #gallery

Manchester City rescued a late win at the Etihad this afternoon, coming from behind to score an 85th-minute equaliser and a 92nd-minute winner to ****** all three points.
Marcus Tavernier opened the scoring for Bournemouth before the half-hour mark, when he found himself in plenty of ****** e in the area before firing home.
Marc Guéhi headed home the leveller for City late in the day, making up for a guilt-edged miss earlier in the match. However, the real headlines were written by Josko Gvardiol, who broke free in the box in injury time and slotted into the bottom corner to win the match for City.
Enzo Maresca made two changes to his starting XI this afternoon, following his side's 3-0 defeat to ****** nal in the Community Shield last weekend. Those changes saw Rico Lewis and Guéhi replace Jérémy Doku and Mateo Kovacic, whilst a new-look Erling Haaland made a landmark 200th appearance for The Citizens.
Meanwhile, Marco Rose's first Bournemouth side featured plenty of familiar faces, with António Silva the only Summer arrival in from the off.

#bournemouth #late #minute #made

Manchester City usher in the post-Guardiola era by hosting Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium.
Will the Citizens bounce back after their heavy defeat to ******* nal in the Community Shield?
Today's match in Manchester will be played with the following confirmed lineups:
Manchester City: Donnarumma, Khusanov, Dias (C), Guéhi, Gvardiol, Lewis, Anderson, O'Reilly, ******* yo, Foden, Haaland
Cherki, Grealish and Nunes are waiting for their chance on the bench.

#guardiola #bournemouth

Manchester City signed Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace during the January transfer window. Guehi made an immediate impact for Pep Guardiola's side last season and quickly established himself as a valuable piece of Manchester City's defence. Marc Guehi was a late arrival for Manchester City's preseason after his efforts for England at this summer's World Cup. Heading into the 2026-27 season, Guehi's leadership and composure loom as important components of Enzo Maresca's side.
It isn't a stretch to say barely any Manchester City players covered themselves in glory against **** nal in City's 3-0 defeat to **** nal in the FA Community Shield. Enzo Maresca's side looked short of a gallop against an **** nal side that looked determined to send a message. Marc Guehi came on for 37 minutes in the second half and he was by far and away City's best performing defender on the day. Guehi's performance against **** nal isn't the reason why he will be so important for Enzo Maresca. It was just further proof of this.
Marc Guehi is a leader as he was Crystal Palace's captain before he signed for Manchester City. City do need new leaders to emerge in the Enzo Maresca era. Guehi should be one of those despite the fact he has only been at City for less than a year. Marc Guehi isn't a demonstrative figure like Ruben Dias but his quiet manner of leadership should be important to his team.
At the back, and on the ball, Guehi offers the composure that Manchester City need. Abdukodir Khusanov is a better player with Guehi alongside him. The England international is a calming influence in Manchester City's defence. That will be a quality that Enzo Maresca will need to tap into. If you were drawing up Manchester City's best defence, Marc Guehi should be starting in it.
Marc Guehi offers attributes that the Manchester City defence. He is a proven quality centre-back and his composure and leadership will be vital for his team. Guehi looms as a crucial component of Enzo Maresca's side and it is likely that will start to reveal itself as soon as the 2026-27 season begins.

#arsenal #season

This week has been dominated by players either leaving Manchester City or edging closer to an exit from the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders. Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders have left City this week. Savinho is on the verge of completing his 'dream' move to Tottenham. There is also the real possibility that Omar Marmoush and Nico Gonzalez could also depart City before the transfer window closes. Om top of that, Enzo Maresca's side was well beaten by **** nal 3-0 in the FA Community Shield last Sunday. All of these factors combined have seemingly dampened the excitement of a new season beginning.
However, this Sunday the Enzo Maresca era officially gets underway against Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium. City will begin a new Premier League season at home. That is an exciting moment in itself. Despite the fact that players have left Manchester City this week and will do before the transfer window closes, Enzo Maresca has enough to work with to ensure that the early stages of the 2026-27 season can begin on a positive note.
Last season saw Pep Guardiola put the building blocks in place for the next era at Manchester City. Building team spirit and teaching the players City hope will continue Guardiola's legacy how to win trophies was the final act of Pep Guardiola as the Manchester City manager. Those lessons will now look to be carried over by Enzo Maresca.
The Enzo Maresca era didn't get off to the best start last weekend. Maresca's first official match in charge ended in a chastening 3-0 defeat to **** nal in the FA Community Shield. Whether or not the Community Shield is an official match or a glorified friendly is a matter of personal opinion. What isn't in dispute is the manner of City's defeat and the departures of key players or impending departures of others have taken focus off a new Premier League season starting this weekend.
Putting all of that aside, Manchester City take on Bournemouth this Sunday at the Etihad Stadium. In terms of what starting eleven Enzo Maresca could select, he has plenty of quality options to choose from. A possible starting eleven of Donnarumma, Khusanov, Dias, Guehi, Gvardiol, Anderson, O'Reilly, Foden, Cherki, **** yo, and Erling Haaland is packed with quality. That seems to have been forgotten throughout this week.

#city #enzo #manchester #sunday

Enzo Maresca spoke with the media following his side's 3-0 defeat to ****** nal in the FA Community Shield this afternoon.
The newly appointed Manchester City boss opened by reflecting on ****** nal's opening goal, which came after just 25 seconds, stating "we concede first, but I think the reaction was good before they score the second goal we had three or four chances to score…but we miss the chances and then they score the second and it becomes more difficult."
On the manner of the defeat, Maresca said "it's just the beginning, we have many things that we need to do better…now we have to reset and ****** yse the game, then start thinking from Tuesday about the next game."
The Argentine then spoke on the four players [Haaland, O'Reilly, Andrson and Guéhi] who featured that have only just returned from the World Cup, "the plan was always to change them after 45 minutes to an hour, maximum, it was a decision which we made before the game if they were going to start or play the second-half."
He finished off by speaking about Jack Grealish, who made his first Manchester City appearance in over a year this afternoon. "Jack came on when we were 2-0 down, the game was already complicated, but overall I think he was good and he still wants to work and get minutes." Regarding the wingers future at the club, he said "at the moment the transfer window is open, and we will see what happens."

#defeat

Jack Buchanan, Chief EFL Editor
Team news is in for this afternoon's FA Community Shield in Cardiff, with the headline news being that both Erling Haaland and Elliot Anderson are in the starting XI for Manchester City.
Arsenal also named a full-strength starting side, featuring Gabriel as well as Summer signings Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis.
Raya, White, Gabriel, Mosquera, Caliafori, Lewis-Skelly, Guimaraes, Odegaard, Madueke, Tzolis, Madueke. Subsititues: Arrizabalaga, Hincapie, Zubimendi, Merino, Rice, Eze, Dowman, Saka, Gyökeres.
Donnarumma, Khusanov, Dias, Gvardiol, O'Reilly, Kovačic, Anderson, ****** yo, Foden, Doku, Haaland. Substitutes: Rulli, Guéhi, Marmoush, Cherki, Nico, Grealish, Aït-Nouri, Nunes, Lewis.

#anderson

Manchester City are set to take on the K-League All Stars in their next pre-season friendly on Wednesday at the Seoul World Cup Stadium.
The Premier League champions are only just getting underway with their preparations under new head coach Enzo Maresca, with a clear focus on building fitness levels and integrating the squad. Their first match of the Asia tour came on August 1 in Hong Kong, where they drew 1-1 with Inter Milan in normal time before going on to lose 3-1 on penalties. The upcoming clash in Seoul will be just their second game of the summer.
City are expected to name a heavily rotated and experimental lineup for this high-profile encounter, combining established names with young academy talents.
Maresca has been boosted by the return of Matheus Nunes, Rúben Dias, and Omar Marmoush to the travelling squad, and all three players are likely to get some minutes on the pitch.
However, several key first-team players are still unavailable due to extended breaks following international duty, including Erling Haaland, Jérémy Doku, Marc Guéhi, Rayan Cherki, and Elliot Anderson.

#league

Since the 2025-26 season ended, Manchester City has seen a host of leadership and experience depart the club. Pep Guardiola stepped down as Manchester City's manager. He has been replaced by Enzo Maresca. Bernardo Silva, Nathan Ake and John Stones have also departed the club. Their departures, coupled with Pep Guardiola's, create a void in terms of leadership and experience in the City squad. Heading into the 2026-27 season, Manchester City do need a new crop of leaders to rise to the fore.
Last season, Pep Guardiola named Bernardo Silva as the Manchester City captain with Ruben Dias, Rodri and Erling Haaland completing Manchester City's leadership group. Of those four players, Bernardo Silva is now a Real Madrid player. There are doubts that surround the future of Rodri. Erling Haaland and Ruben Dias do look to be the standout candidates to become the next captain for Manchester City.
Outside of Haaland, Dias and Rodri, if he stays, Manchester City do need other players to step up and become leaders. It is time for other players to fill the void left behind following the loss of bonafide leaders and experienced players. Gianluigi Donnarumma looks to be a prime candidate to step up as a leader for Enzo Maresca's side. As does Marc Guehi. Both players have been leaders throughout their careers and could make a step up in this regard for Enzo Maresca.
Josko Gvardiol and Phil Foden are two other players who have the potential to be leaders in Manchester City's new era. Foden is now a seasoned professional and knows intimately the high standards demanded at City. Josko Gvardiol has signed a long-term contract extension and the natural progression for him is to become a leader for his team. Foden and Gvardiol are two players who seem primed to step up as leaders and hopefully other candidates will emerge during Manchester City's preseason tour of Asia.
Manchester City do need a new crop of leaders to emerge for the 2026-27 season and beyond. The standards expected at the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders have been established by Pep Guardiola, Bernardo Silva, John Stones, Nathan Ake and the club legends that have departed before them. To carry on those standards, City will need a new batch of leaders to emerge. It is a crucial element of any team and the sooner that Manchester City's next crop of leaders reveal themselves the better it will bw for Enzo Maresca's side.

#enzo

From the outside, Liverpool's failure to seal a move for Marc Guehi last summer looks even more interesting now.
They have a buyback clause with Jarell Quansah, who left for Bayer Leverkusen for £35m last July, but there are no current plans for Quansah to return.
Sources stress that if Liverpool bring in Bradley Barcola, who Paris St-Germain value in excess of £100m, then there will be limitations to what more they can do in the market.
Deals for Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz have cost a combined £94.5m.
Without any major outgoings from Andoni Iraola's squad, there is an understanding that this summer will not be like last summer, when a club record £450m was spent.

#quansah #bayer #sources

Marc Guéhi says England are unfazed about facing world champions Argentina this evening
The Three Lions are looking to reach the World Cup final for the first time in 60 years against the South Americans.
But City defender Guéhi says the England players aren't feeling any pressure ahead of what is a huge game.
On the contrary – he believes it is the Argentines who will feel the weight of expectation.
"There isn't pressure on us," Guéhi said. "What's the pressure? The onus is on them.

England face Argentina in World Cup semi-final in Atlanta (20:00 BST)
Winner will face Spain in Sunday's final (20:00 BST)
Argentina captain Lionel Messi will face England for the first time in his career
Fixture is first time England have faced Argentina in a competitive match since 2002 World Cup
Defender Marc Guehi says "pressure" is on World Cup holders Argentina

England defender Marc Guehi insists the pressure is on Argentina as the Three Lions prepare to face the reigning champions in the World Cup semi-finals.
Wednesday's match in Atlanta (20:00 BST) is England's second semi-final in three World Cups, but they have not reached the final since winning the tournament in 1966.
To do so this year they have to overcome Argentina, who they will face for the sixth time at a World Cup in the latest chapter of one of international football's biggest rivalries.
From Diego Maradona's infamous 'Hand of God' goal in 1986 to David Beckham's red card 12 years later, games between the two nations have rarely lacked drama.
"The pressure is on them, they are the world champions," said Guehi before the last-four tie.

England are eyeing a first appearance in a World Cup final in 60 years as they take on Lionel Messi's reigning champions Argentina in the last four in Atlanta on Wednesday.
AFP Sport looks at key battles likely to decide the outcome of the game at the spectacular Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with Spain waiting in the final.
Messi v Guehi and O'Reilly
Lionel Messi has his sights set on back-to-back World Cup triumphs. But after his exertions to help drag Argentina this far, and now aged 39, does he have it in him to inspire the Albiceleste past England?
The great number 10 will occupy his usual ***** e in the inside-right position, with the freedom to drift out wide. The responsibility to keep tabs on him will likely fall to Nico O'Reilly and Marc Guehi.

Jordan Henderson and Jarell Quansah are set to be the only players unavailable for England in their World Cup semi-final against Argentina.
Henderson is still recovering from surgery on the broken arm he suffered while celebrating the win over Mexico in the last 16, while defender Quansah is suspended following his red card in the same game.
It leaves head coach Thomas Tuchel with options as he finalises his starting XI.
The England boss is yet to field the same starting back four in consecutive games at the World Cup but has considered keeping the same defence that began the quarter-final against Norway.
Ezri Konsa, John Stones, Marc Guehi and Nico O'Reilly all started, and it is understood that Tuchel was impressed with how the quartet operated in the 2-1 win.

Jude Bellingham twice dragged England back from the brink as Thomas Tuchel’s side edged past a tenacious Norway to reach the FIFA World Cup semi-final, winning 2-1 after extra time at Miami Stadium.
The game was a quiet affair in the opening stages before Norway seized the initiative. Harry Kane had his pocket picked inside the England half and Schjelderup’s cross-shot from the left flew in off the post to give the Scandinavians the lead just before the hour of the first half.
Jordan Pickford, making a record-breaking 18th World Cup appearance for England, got down to his left to keep out Martin Odegaard‘s low effort as Norway threatened to extend their advantage.
“It’s going to be fun” – Marc Guehi previews Erling Haaland and Norway showdown in World Cup quarter-final
Jude Bellingham had other ideas. The Real Madrid midfielder drew England level in first-half stoppage time, and the two sides remained locked at 1-1 through 90 minutes.

England required extra time and another moment of individual brilliance from Jude Bellingham to overcome a resilient Norwegian side at Miami Stadium on Saturday, coming from behind to win 2-1 and book a place in the World Cup semi-finals.
Norway were the better side for large periods of the contest, dominating possession in dangerous areas and creating the sharper chances against an England side forced into a defensive shift for much of the 90 minutes.
Erling Haaland was kept remarkably quiet throughout, shackled by Marc Guehi’s man-marking job, with Norway’s threat instead coming from elsewhere on the pitch. It took genuine resilience from Thomas Tuchel’s side to see out a game they didn’t control, before Bellingham’s decisive intervention deep into extra time settled it.
Here’s how England’s players rated in Miami.
Jordan Pickford – 5/10 Became England’s most-capped World Cup player in history. But his role in Norway’s opener was not worthy of this historic night. Beaten by Andreas Schjelderup’s delivery in a moment that will trouble him more than the record pleases him. An unconvincing evening between the posts.

The saddest outcome of this was that Norway disappointed a larger fanbase than they’d ever signed up for.
England faced Norway in the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. England had last won the World Cup in 1966, defeating West Germany, and modern English teams have struggled to find their footing in international tournaments. Norway on the other hand, came in, with their best World Cup so far, in history. The Norwegians had earlier set sky-high expectations, after sending Brazil home in the round of 16. England may have won after fighting tooth and nail for 120 minutes, but Norway takes home a larger fanbase than they ever could have imagined. Here are the observations from the game.
Do not let the result fool you. This was easily England’s toughest game in this World Cup so far.
If one had to state Haaland’s importance for Norway, it would be through this game.
He was not just performing the role of a goalscorer or a creative attacker. English defenders Marc Guéhi and John Stones were practically being dragged around by him throughout the 100 minutes he played. He occupied defenders, thus creating avenues for his teammates to run in for attacks. The midfield was constantly spotting weaknesses in England’s setup and especially the half-spaces were often identified by Norwegian wingers and capitalized upon. The Three Lions were constantly forced to keep thinking of their next best step while Norway through sheer grit, held England stretched to their limits.

Marc Guéhi, Nico O’Reilly, Elliot Anderson and James Trafford are through to the semi-finals of the World Cup with Erling Haaland exiting after England defeated Norway 2-1 after extra-time.
The Three Lions came from a goal behind with Andreas Schjelderup opening the scoring for Norway before a brace from Jude Bellingham earned progress for Thomas Tuchel’s men.
Guéhi and Anderson played the full 120 minutes, O’Reilly put in a shift before being substituted on 86 minutes, Trafford was an unused substitute while Haaland was withdrawn in extra-time by Ståle Solbakken.
In a nervy contest, Harry Kane felt he’d been fouled in the build-up to the first goal but the referee waved play-on as the ball found its way to Schjelderup on the left flank.
The Benfica winger pinged it into the top corner with everyone thinking he’d be crossing for Haaland in the box.

Jude Bellingham scored twice as England came from behind to beat Norway 2-1 in extra time to reach the World Cup semi-finals.
BBC Sport's England reporter Alex Howell ******* ses how the players performed in Miami on Saturday - and you can have your say at the bottom of the page too.
Jordan Pickford: Made history as he became the most-capped player for England in World Cups. But Pickford was caught out by Andreas Schjelderup's cross for the Norway opener. An uncertain performance from the England number one. 5
Ezri Konsa: Really dependable as always and the performance showed why he has become such an important fixture in this England team. Solid defensively but maybe lacked going forward, which is to be expected as it's not his natural position. A good performance at right-back. One pass to John Stones that put him in trouble and nearly gifted Norway a chance. 7
Marc Guehi: Did a good job in marshalling the dangerous Erling Haaland and it was even more impressive considering the centre-back has been nursing a hamstring issue. Guehi is always dependable but had more of the ball than England would have liked as Norway defended deep. 8

Marc Guehi has won his fitness race and is expected to start England's World Cup quarter-final against Norway alongside a recalled John Stones in central defence.
Manchester City defender Guehi suffered a minor hamstring strain in the win over Mexico and has missed training sessions this week.
But he is set to be cleared to continue in the heart of England's defence.
He is expected to be playing alongside Stones in defence, who is set to be recalled into the starting XI for the first time since the opening game against Croatia.
Ezri Konsa is set to be moved from centre-back to right-back.