England vs Argentina: Predicted Lineups and Key Details for World Cup Semifinal in Atlanta
England and Argentina Set for World Cup Semifinal Showdown at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
The storied rivalry between England and Argentina takes another turn as they meet in the World Cup semifinal on Wednesday. Lionel Scaloni's Argentine squad aims to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to defend their title, while England chases their first major trophy since 1966. A win for England would set up a Euro 2024 final rematch against Spain, who ousted France in Tuesday's other semifinal.
These sides share a rich World Cup past. England won their last group stage encounter 1-0 in 2002, but Argentina triumphed on penalties in the 1998 Round of 16 after a tense 2-2 draw, a match remembered also for David Beckham’s red card. The rivalry goes back four decades to Mexico '86, when Diego Maradona eliminated England with his infamous Hand of God and Goal of the Century.
Projected England Starting Eleven (4-2-3-1, right to left)
1. Jordan Pickford (GK) — 2. Ezri Konsa, 5. John Stones, 6. Marc Guehi, 3. Nico O'Reilly — 8. Elliot Anderson, 4. Declan Rice — 7. Bukayo Saka, 10. Jude Bellingham, 18. Anthony Gordon — 9. Harry Kane
Injuries cloud England’s lineup, with Declan Rice battling illness and nerve pain though he trained before the semifinal. Jordan Henderson remains sidelined with a broken wrist, and Jarell Quansah serves the second match of a red-card suspension. Thomas Tuchel faces challenges at right-back but plans to keep Ezri Konsa there after his solid display against Norway in the quarterfinals.
Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have been instrumental, combining for all but one of England’s goals so far and sharing six goals each in the race for the Golden Boot.
Argentina’s Expected Starting Lineup (4-1-3-2, right to left)
23. Emiliano Martinez (GK) — 26. Nahuel Molina, 13. Cristian Romero, 6. Lisandro Martinez, 3. Nicolas Tagliafico — 5. Leandro Paredes — 7. Rodrigo De Paul, 20. Alexis Mac Allister, 24. Enzo Fernandez — 10. Lionel Messi, 9. Julian Alvarez
No injuries or suspensions affect Argentina’s squad. Cristian Romero and Leandro Paredes were substituted late in extra time during the quarterfinal but are expected to start. Coach Scaloni might adjust the midfield, possibly bringing in Nicolas Gonzalez or Thiago Almada for a 4-3-3 formation.
Lionel Messi, with eight goals in this tournament, prepares to face England for the first time in his World Cup career.
Match Prediction and Viewing Options
Our forecast leans toward an intense clash with a scoreline like England 3-2 Argentina after extra time.
Where to watch: The match will be broadcast live on FOX in the United States, with streaming available on fuboTV, Fox One, and the Fox Sports app. In Canada, viewers can tune into TSN channels and stream via TSN+ or the RDS app. UK audiences can watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Australia and India will have coverage through SBS and Unite8 Sports 1 respectively.
