Fury as Argentina fans boo so loudly that God Save the King is drowned out – before England supporters boo rivals’ anthem

There was outrage this evening after Argentina fans booed God Save the King so loudly that they drowned it out, before England fans responded.

Both Argentinian and English fans mocked their opponents’ national anthems ahead of kick-off of tonight’s World Cup semi-final.

A packed stadium in Atlanta was packed with opposing fans making their voices heard ahead of England’s most important football match since 1966.

As Thomas Tuchel’s team lined up on the field alongside their Argentinian rivals, both teams singing their respective anthems, fans at home could barely make out the tune.

Tens of thousands of fans on both sides booed and jeered determinedly, leaving fans in Britain to follow suit on their lips.

There are fears that nerves will flare tonight in this high-stakes match in which England will advance to the semi-finals for the fourth time.

They have reached the final only once, in 1966, and Argentina have won their last four World Cup matches in a row.

The match kicked off at 8pm in Georgia and while thousands of fans have traveled out of state to watch England play, millions of fans have been watching screenings of the match across the country.

England line up for national anthems ahead of their World Cup semi-final clash with Argentina

In what is expected to be one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament so far, both teams took to the field before kick-off.

However, England fans were less than impressed with the Argentinians’ opening display, with some accusing them of not ‘respecting’ God Save the King.

Some fans in the stadium were seen chanting during the anthem as well as singing the song ‘He who does not jump is English’.

‘Argentine fans have no respect for the English national anthem. ‘Come on England,’ someone said.

“Argentina fans are so loud you can’t even hear the England anthem,” said a second on social media.

A third described the behavior as ‘disappointing’; But England fans were not to be left behind.

Even before the opening notes of the Argentine anthem played through the stadium, the Three Lions’ fans had begun jeering, determined to return the favour.

Many fans watching at home noted that the South American team’s players looked ‘angry’ or ‘passionate’ while singing, with tens of thousands of fans in attendance from the stands.

After the whistle blew, the competition got off to an energetic start with hard-fought contests sparking controversy both on and off the pitch.

England fans in Manchester sing God Save the King as they watch the semi-final

England and Argentina flags are seen before the World Cup semi-final match between England and Argentina in Atlanta

The rivalry between the two teams, which started early, witnessed some fierce clashes on the field.

While the players stepped in to prevent any on-pitch physical fighting between Kane and Lionel Messi’s teams, Tuchel was seen objecting to officials on the touchline.

Previously, fans in England had expressed optimism that the Three Lions could take part in the World Cup final, but expressed concerns that Messi could get in their way.

Thousands of England fans flocked to Atlanta ahead of Wednesday’s semi-final against reigning champions Argentina.

The old rivals face off at the air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz Stadium and superfan Gary Holliday said he spent around £2,500 on tickets for the match.

Speaking outside the stadium in Atlanta, Mr Holliday, 46, from Birmingham, said: ‘I’ve been chatting to mates on the WhatsApp group and I’m a bit optimistic to be honest.

‘If Bellingham shows up, I honestly don’t think it’s as good as they think it is.

‘I honestly think Bellingham will crush them all; Kane has been boiling for the last few years, I think he owes us a game too.

‘So I’m pretty optimistic; ‘I spent a small fortune on a final ticket so the fingers and toes and everything were long enough.’

Also outside the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Colin Leslie, 63, originally from Salisbury, said: ‘I’m absolutely horrified.

‘If things go wrong, our journey home will be long.’

Asked if he was confident about the outcome, he added: ‘As in every tournament, yes. And we’ve got Bellingham, so it’s OK, and we’ve got Kane as back-up for Bellingham, and I believe Mr (Declan) Rice could join us today.’

Liam Pearce, 29, from Wiltshire, added: ‘I’m so nervous, it’s the semi-final of the World Cup.

‘It’s a big game, a big competition, so it will be interesting to see how it goes.’

Mr Holliday admitted he was ‘somewhat concerned’ about the threat posed by Argentina captain Messi.

‘You must be a little worried, aren’t you?’ he said.

‘But the Messi of four years ago is not the same player as he is today.

‘I think it looks great against really average teams and I don’t think we’re average; I’m hoping Elliot Anderson and Declan (Rice) can get around him and beat him.’

He continued: ‘I’ve been to every tournament since 2014 and I’ve been waiting my whole life to see England play Argentina.’