Reece James has described England's run to the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals as 'what dreams are made of,' as the Three Lions prepare to face defending champions Argentina in Atlanta on Thursday. The quarter-final win over Norway — England's third World Cup semi-final appearance since 1966 — sets up one of football's most anticipated last-four clashes.

How England Overcame Norway

Thomas Tuchel's side came from behind to beat Norway 2-1 after extra time in the quarter-finals. Andreas Schjelderup put Norway ahead in the first half, his delivery from the left flying across Jordan Pickford's box and crashing off the far post before crossing the line.

Jude Bellingham levelled with a moment of individual brilliance before prodding home from close range in extra time to complete the comeback. It was Bellingham's brace that sealed England's place in only their fourth World Cup semi-final in history.

James Returns from Injury to Play a Key Role

James, who had been sidelined with a hamstring injury earlier in the tournament, returned from the bench against Norway and played a significant role in both defence and midfield. His comeback added experience and composure to a side navigating the pressure of a knockout-stage run in North America.

Speaking on the latest episode of Lions' Den Connected by EE, James reflected on what reaching this stage means: 'This is what dreams are made of. Everyone from a little boy dreamt of playing in a World Cup and this is part of the process. To play in a semi-final against one of the best nations — we're delighted to be here.'

Focus Already on Argentina

When asked by host Andrew Mensah whether he could savour moments like Bellingham's double, James was candid about the mental demands of tournament football. 'It's difficult in games. You might get 10 seconds to enjoy the moment then it's gone. As soon as yesterday's game finished, the focus is forward now. We don't look back. We have a new challenge in a few days and we're preparing for that already,' he said.

England face Argentina — the reigning world champions — in Atlanta on Thursday, with the winners advancing to Sunday's final against either France or Spain. The prospect of facing Lionel Messi and his side on football's biggest stage does not appear to daunt James.

James on Handling the Pressure

'It comes with experience. Higher stakes the game is, usually the more pressure. But at the end of the day, this is what we've been doing for 20/25 years — playing football. So the fundamentals are the same, but the prize is slightly different,' James said. Notably, this is England's first semi-final appearance at a World Cup held on American soil, and only their second in the last three decades. The eyes of world football will be on Atlanta as the Three Lions look to go one step further.