How many times have England been in the World Cup semi-final? History as Three Lions face Argentina

England

Argentina

England face Argentina in the 2026 World Cup semi-final, marking their fourth appearance at this stage. Previous semi-finals came in 1966 (a 2-1 win o...

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15 July 2026, 16:12 UTC2 min read

In short

England face Argentina in the 2026 World Cup semi-final, marking their fourth appearance at this stage. Previous semi-finals came in 1966 (a 2-1 win over Portugal en route to winning the trophy), 1990 (a penalty-shootout loss to West Germany), and 2018 (an extra-time defeat to Croatia). The article recaps each match and highlights England's record of one win and two losses before tonight's clash, with the Three Lions aiming to reach a second World Cup final.

England's World Cup semi-final history

England are facing Argentina in the FIFA World Cup semi-final tonight, a stage they have only reached three times before. As the Three Lions prepare for their fourth last-four clash, here is a look back at their previous World Cup semi-final appearances.

1966: England 2–1 Portugal

On home soil at Wembley, England defeated a Eusébio-inspired Portugal to reach their first World Cup final. Bobby Charlton scored both goals, cancelling out Eusébio’s late penalty. England went on to beat West Germany 4–2 in the final to lift the Jules Rimet Trophy.

1990: West Germany 1–1 England (4–3 on penalties)

In Turin, England matched the eventual winners in a tense semi-final. Andreas Brehme’s deflected free-kick was cancelled out by Gary Lineker’s equaliser. The match went to penalties, where Stuart Pearce and Chris Waddle missed, sending England out in heartbreaking fashion.

2018: Croatia 2–1 England (after extra time)

Gareth Southgate’s youthful side took an early lead through Kieran Trippier’s free-kick, but Croatia fought back with goals from Ivan Perišić and Mario Mandžukić. England’s first semi-final in 28 years ended in agonising defeat, denying them a shot at redemption in the final.

England's World Cup semi-finals record

Appearances: 4 (including 2026)Wins: 1 (1966)Losses: 2 (1990, 2018)Goals scored: 5Goals conceded: 5

Now, under the lights in Atlanta, England have the chance to reach a second World Cup final and end 60 years of hurt. Standing in their way are world champions Argentina, who are chasing a second consecutive title. The winner will meet either Spain or Brazil in the showpiece event.

This article was originally published on FourFourTwo.