Anger erupted before kick-off this evening as Argentina supporters loudly booed through God Save the King — only for England fans to respond in kind moments later.
The national anthems of both teams were met with jeers from rival sections of the crowd ahead of tonight’s World Cup semi-final showdown.
Inside the packed stadium in Atlanta, supporters from both nations created a hostile, deafening atmosphere before England’s biggest football fixture since 1966.
Thomas Tuchel’s players stood shoulder to shoulder on the pitch opposite Argentina, with both squads visibly singing their anthems, though viewers at home struggled to hear the melodies above the noise.
With tens of thousands of fans on either side booing throughout, many watching in Britain were left trying to follow the anthem by reading the players’ lips.
There are growing concerns that tensions could spill over during the high-pressure contest, as England compete in only their fourth World Cup semi-final.
England have reached the final just once before, in their victorious 1966 campaign, while Argentina arrive with a formidable record of winning their last five World Cup semi-finals.
The match got under way at 8pm in Georgia, with thousands of England supporters making the trip to the United States and millions more gathering at screenings across the country.
There was fury this evening after Argentina fans booed loudly enough to drown out God Save the King in Atlanta’s World Cup stadium
England lines up for the national anthems ahead of their semi-final World Cup tie against Argentina
Ahead of kick-off, both teams ran out onto the pitch in what is expected to be one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament so far.
But England fans were less than impressed by the Argentinians’ opening display, with some accusing them of having no ‘respect’ for God Save the King.
As well as jeering, some fans in the stadium were seen singing ‘Whoever doesn’t jump is English’ during the anthem.
‘Argentine supporters have no respect for the English national anthem. Come on England,’ said one.
‘Argentina’s fans are too loud, you can’t even hear the England anthem,’ said a second on social media.
A third branded the behaviour ‘disappointing’ – but England fans were not to be outdone.
Even before the opening notes of Argentina’s anthem rang around the stadium, supporters of the Three Lions were already jeering, determined to return the favour.
Many fans watching at home described the South American side’s players as appearing ‘angry’ or ‘passionate’ in their singing, as tens of thousands of fans joined in from the stands.
Once the whistle blew, the competition got off to a feisty start with combative challenges which resulted in arguments both on and off the pitch.
England fans in Manchester sing along to God Save the King as they watch the semi-final
The flags of England and Argentina are seen before the World Cup semifinal soccer match between England and Argentina in Atlanta
Early competition between the two sides saw some feisty confrontations on the pitch
While players stepped in to prevent any physical altercations on-field between Kane and Lionel Messi’s teams, Tuchel was seen remonstrating with officials on the touchline.
Earlier, England fans said they are optimistic that the Three Lions can secure a place in the World Cup final, but highlighted concerns that Messi may stand in their way.
Thousands of England supporters have descended on Atlanta ahead of Wednesday’s semi-final against defending champions Argentina.
The old rivals go head-to-head at the air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz Stadium – and superfan Gary Holliday said he spent around £2,500 on a ticket for the match.
Speaking outside the stadium in Atlanta, Mr Holliday, 46, from Birmingham, said: ‘I’ve been chatting to the lads in the WhatsApp group and I’m mildly optimistic, to be honest.
‘If Bellingham turns up, I honestly don’t think these are as good as, certainly what they think they are.
‘I think Bellingham is going to run all over them, to be honest – Kane has been off the boil for the last couple, I think he owes us a game as well.
‘So I’m quite optimistic – I’ve spent a small fortune on a ticket for the final so fingers, toes and anything else long enough crossed.’
Also outside the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Colin Leslie, 63, originally from Salisbury, said: ‘I’m absolutely petrified.
‘It’s going to be a long trip home if it goes wrong.’
Asked if he was confident of a result, he added: ‘The same as every tournament – yes. And we’ve got a Bellingham so we should be all right, and we’ve got a Kane as a back-up for Bellingham, and I believe Mr (Declan) Rice might be joining us today.’
Liam Pearce, 29, from Wiltshire, added: ‘I’m very nervous, it’s the semi-final of a World Cup.
‘It’s a big game, it’s a big rivalry, so it will be interesting to see how it goes.’
Mr Holliday conceded that he was ‘mildly concerned’ about the threat posed by Argentina captain Messi.
‘You’ve got to be mildly concerned haven’t you?’ he said.
‘But Messi of four years ago is not the same player he is now.
‘I think he looks brilliant against really, really average teams, and I don’t think we’re average – I think Elliot Anderson and Declan (Rice) will get around him and hopefully smash him.’
He continued: ‘I’ve been to every tournament since 2014 and I have literally waited my entire life to see England play Argentina.’
