Preview: England vs Argentina | Latest news, line-ups, absences (15/07/2026)
Preview, team news, head-to-head, probable line-ups and where to watch England vs Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals
England face Argentina in Atlanta, on Wednesday night at 20:00 BST, aiming to secure a place in the World Cup final for the first time since 1966 against one of their biggest rivals on the international stage.
Thomas Tuchel‘s side booked their semi-final spot by defeating Norway 2-1 after extra time. Andreas Schjelderup gave Norway the lead before Jude Bellingham equalised later in the first half, and the Real Madrid midfielder struck again in extra time after Ørjan Nyland parried a long-range effort from Morgan Rogers. England survived another demanding knockout test to continue their march through the tournament.
Argentina were also pushed to extra time, eventually beating Switzerland 3-1. Alexis Mac Allister headed the world champions in front, Dan Ndoye levelled for the Swiss and Breel Embolo was later sent off for a second yellow card. With the numerical advantage, Lionel Scaloni‘s team finally broke through in extra time as Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez scored to send Argentina into another World Cup semi-final.
Latest news: absences, form, team news
England have shown remarkable resilience in the knockout stage. The Three Lions have come from behind in each of their knockout matches against DR Congo, Mexico and Norway, with Bellingham increasingly becoming the emotional leader of the team with another brace against Norway. Harry Kane continues to provide goals and link-up play, while Marc Guehi looks England’s most assured defender. Tuchel will be encouraged by his side’s character, although the physical demands of consecutive extra-time matches are becoming a factor.
Argentina remain unbeaten and continue to look like genuine contenders to defend their title. Messi has controlled games with his passing and movement, Álvarez has been relentless without the ball and Lautaro’s impact from the bench against Switzerland underlined the depth available to Scaloni. The main concern for Argentina is managing fatigue after another 120-minute outing.
England
Tuchel is expected to keep the same core that carried England through the quarter-finals, although a few doubts remain. Jordan Pickford will start in goal despite questions over how he let in the goal against Norway, while the right-back spot will probably be between Ezri Konsa – who started there against Norway – and Djed Spence – who had an excellent cameo from the bench – as Jarell Quansah is still suspended after his red card against Mexico. If Konsa starts on the right, John Stones is likely to remain at heart of defence alongside Marc Guéhi with Nico O’Reilly at left-back. A Spence start at right-back, however, would see Konsa move back into the heart of defence alongside Guéhi.
Declan Rice has been suffering from illness in the last week but is expected to continue alongside Elliot Anderson. The biggest debate is regarding the wingers, who have changed frequently throughout the tournament. Noni Madueke had a poor first half against Norway and was subbed off for Bukayo Saka, while Anthony Gordon will compete with Marcus Rashford on the other flank. Reece James made his return from injury in the latter stages of the game but it is unlikely he will start.
Argentina
Scaloni has difficult decisions to make after the extra-time victory over Switzerland. Emiliano Martínez will continue in goal behind Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martínez. Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández and Mac Allister should start in midfield while, in the last two games, Scaloni has opted for further protection in midfield in the form of Leandro Paredes at the expense of a third forward, which has worked well for the Albiceleste.
Messi is expected to operate behind Julian Álvarez, who scored a scorcher to make it 2-1 late in extra-time, although Lautaro Martínez also got on the scoresheet to keep himself in the mind of his manager.
Teams H2H: Head-to-head stats
Few international rivalries carry the history of England vs Argentina at the World Cup. Their meetings have produced some of the most memorable moments in football history, from the quarter-final in 1966 to the dramatic encounter in 1986 where Diego Maradona scored two of the most famous World Cup goals of all-time – the ‘Hand of God’ and the magical solo run.
Argentina have had the better of the most recent competitive meetings, including victory on penalties at France 1998 on that famous night where David Beckham was sent off for a mild kickout at Diego Simeone, while England won 1-0 in the group stage of the 2002 World Cup where Beckham gained some revenge from the penalty spot after Michael Owen was fouled by current USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
Recent meetings:
- 13/11/2005: England 3-2 Argentina (International friendly)
- 07/06/2002: England 1-0 Argentina (FIFA World Cup)
- 30/06/1998: Argentina 2-2 England (Argentina won on penalties, FIFA World Cup)
- 22/06/1986: Argentina 2-1 England (FIFA World Cup)
- 25/06/1966: England 1-0 Argentina (FIFA World Cup)
Predicted line-ups
England’s main doubts are at right-back, where Tuchel will have to pick between Konsa, Spence or a not-fully-fit Reece James, as well as the right-wing position with Madueke struggling for form and Saka neither yet to find rhythm.
Argentina started the tournament with Thiago Almada on the left-wing in the line-up but have since replaced him with a defensive midfielder in Paredes who provides more stability behind the usual central midfield trio.
Tactical analysis: Bellingham against Messi
This semi-final features two teams that can win matches in very different ways. England will look to use their athleticism and direct running, with wingers like Saka and Gordon hoping to stretch Argentina’s defence and Kane dropping into midfield to create space for runners.
Argentina play at a fast pace in midfield and look to get the ball to Messi between the lines, while Álvarez will prove a constant menace in behind.
The key battle could be in midfield. Rice and Anderson must rise to the battle against Argentina’s all-action midfield, while Bellingham’s tenacity will also be crucial against the likes of Mac Allister and Enzo Fernandez.
Key players to watch
Jude Bellingham (England)
Bellingham has been England’s decisive player in the knockout rounds. He scored twice against Norway just as he did against Mexico, including the extra-time winner, and continues to produce big moments whenever his team need them most. Against Argentina, his energy, pressing and late runs into the box could be crucial. Bellingham to score or assist vs Argentina is one of the standout England player markets.
Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Messi remains the heartbeat of the world champions despite his age. Even when he is not scoring, he controls matches through his passing and movement, and England know that a single lapse in concentration can be enough for him to decide a semi-final. With defenders focused on Álvarez or Lautaro, Messi may find opportunities to create chances from deeper areas. A Messi goal or assist vs England bet could offer better value than simply backing him to score.
Where to watch England vs Argentina in the UK and Ireland
England vs Argentina kicks off at 20:00 BST on Wednesday, July 15 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta Stadium) in Atlanta, Georgia.
In the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast live across the BBC and ITV World Cup schedule, with the final broadcaster allocation confirmed closer to kick-off.
In the Republic of Ireland, the match will be available live through RTÉ and RTÉ Player.
England vs Argentina prediction and betting tips
Just like the France vs Spain semi-final prediction, this too is expected to be an extremely tight affair.
Current England vs Argentina odds make the South Americans slight favourites, implying roughly a 39% chance of an Argentina win inside 90 minutes, compared with around 33% for England, while the draw sits close to 28%.
England have repeatedly shown they can survive difficult knockout situations, and Bellingham is playing the best football of his international career. Argentina, though, possess the experience of defending champions, a world-class midfield and the enduring brilliance of Messi.
Expect a tense, emotional contest that could easily go the distance, with very little separating two teams that have both learned how to win under pressure.
