BBC makes major change to broadcast for England vs Argentina World Cup semi-final
The countdown is finally over as England prepare to face Argentina in the World Cup semi-final tonight, but things are going to look a little different on our televisions.
After scraping past DR Congo before that memorable night in Mexico, the Three Lions just about made it past Erling Haaland and Norway after extra-time at the weekend to set up the tie against the holders and perhaps the greatest player of all time - Lionel Messi.
Messi will be facing England for the first time in his long and illustrious career and he will be joined by his 'favourite referee', which suggests that the odds might already be against Thomas Tuchel's side in Atlanta.
But the two great rivals won't be the only people travelling to the state capital after the BBC confirmed a big change from what we've seen during the World Cup so far this summer.
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Ahead of the tournament, it was confirmed that the BBC would be covering the World Cup from its home base in Salford, whereas ITV had set up a studio in New York.
However, the BBC has now bucked that trend ahead of perhaps the biggest match in recent memory, with its pundits and analysts heading to a live location ahead of tonight's kick off, something which the BBC has suggested was always on the cards should England make it to the last four.
Mark Chapman is likely to lead the coverage and will be joined by ex England internationals Joe Hart, Micah Richards and Wayne Rooney for the analysis, with Guy Mowbray and Alan Shearer on the mics in the stadium, although they were obviously going to be there regardless.
Since we don't have to stay up until 2am for this one, so long as the weather doesn't cause any major disruptions, then there is also likely to be some record viewing figures for tonight's big fixture.
It's not the only thing that you might notice is a little off for the game tonight as it seems as if Argentina won't be donning their famous blue and white stripes, due to a superstition when it comes to playing England.
They famously wore the darker blue shirt when Diego Maradona had his 'Hand of God' moment and they did the same 12 years when they beat England on penalties in France.
Tuchel said: "Credit to them, I was not aware of that. I have my superstitious routines. I will not tell you [what they are] because another superstition is that if I tell you, it will not work so I can’t.
“But of course we have routines that keep you grounded and calm through the day. These things are just normal in high-level sport.”
England will, of course, be without Jarrell Quansah after his two-game suspension following the red card against Mexico, while Jordan Henderson is also ruled out following his serious injury which he suffered in the post-match celebrations at the Azteca.
After some impressive performances so far, England fans will be hoping that the BBC's change of scenery doesn't change things on the pitch for the Three Lions, as we target a first final since 1966.
LADbible has contacted the BBC for comment.
The scores every time England have played Argentina
2005 - Friendly - England 3 - 2 Argentina
2002 - World Cup, group stage - England 1 - 0 Argentina
2000 - Friendly - England 0 - 0 Argentina
1998 - World Cup, round of 16 - England 3 - 4 Argentina (penalties)
1991 - England Challenge Cup - England 2 - 2 Argentina
1986 - World Cup, quarter-finals - England 1 - 2 Argentina
1980 - Friendly - England 3 - 1 Argentina
1977 - Friendly - England 1 - 1 Argentina
1974 - Friendly - England 2 - 2 Argentina
1966 - World Cup, quarter-final - England 1 - 0 Argentina
1964 - Taça das Nações - England 0 - 1 Argentina
1962 - World Cup, group stage - England 3 - 1 Argentina
1953 - Friendly - England 0 - 0 Argentina
1953 - Friendly - England 1 - 3 Argentina
1951 - Friendly - England 2 - 1 Argentina
England has won 60 percent of their World Cup clashes with Argentina.
Of their games overall, England has won 40 percent, Argentina 27 percent, and the rest have been draws.
Topics: World Cup, Lionel Messi
James Moorhouse