Advertisement
Argentina Vs England: World Cup semi-final team news and key stats
15th July, 2026 06:08 PM
England and Argentina will revive one of football’s most celebrated rivalries when they meet in Wednesday’s, July 15, 2026, FIFA World Cup semi-final in Atlanta, their first FIFA World Cup showdown in two decades.
With a place in Sunday’s final at stake, England are chasing their first appearance in the tournament’s title match since 1966, while defending champions Argentina aim to continue their flawless record in World Cup semi-finals.
Match preview
England have maintained the momentum established under former manager Gareth Southgate, reaching a fourth major tournament semi-final since 2018, a remarkable achievement considering they had only managed the same number throughout the rest of their history.
The Three Lions’ journey has been far from straightforward. After an inconsistent group-stage campaign, they edged past DR Congo before overcoming Mexico in a thrilling encounter. They then survived another stern examination in the quarter-finals, coming from behind to defeat Norway after extra time.
Jude Bellingham has been instrumental in England’s progress. After starring against Mexico, the midfielder struck twice again versus Norway to inspire another comeback victory and send Thomas Tuchel’s side into the last four.
England enter the semi-final on a four-match winning streak and have scored at least two goals in each of those victories. However, defensive lapses remain a concern, with Tuchel openly admitting his team still has room for improvement despite their impressive run.
The fixture also rekindles memories of one of international football’s fiercest rivalries. England and Argentina have shared several unforgettable World Cup meetings, including the famous 1986 quarter-final featuring Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” and “Goal of the Century.” England, meanwhile, defeated Argentina during their triumphant 1966 campaign and won the most recent meeting between the nations 3-2 in a friendly in 2005 through goals from Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney.
Argentina, meanwhile, have reached the World Cup semi-finals for the sixth time and have progressed to the final on every previous occasion.
Lionel Scaloni’s side have been forced to work hard throughout the knockout rounds. They escaped difficult contests against Cape Verde and Egypt before defeating Switzerland after extra time in the quarter-finals, with Julian Alvarez producing the decisive moment to eliminate the 10-man Europeans.
The reigning world champions arrive in Atlanta having won 13 consecutive matches since last September and now sit just two victories away from defending their World Cup crown.
Although many members of the squad that lifted the trophy in Qatar are now older, Argentina have continued to combine experience, resilience and attacking quality. They have scored three goals in each of their last four World Cup matches and have netted 17 times during the tournament, just one shy of their highest-ever tally at a single World Cup.
Scaloni is also on the verge of joining an exclusive group of coaches to guide a team to two World Cup finals, but England stand in the way of that achievement.
Recent form
England (World Cup): W-D-W-W-W-W
Argentina (World Cup): W-W-W-W-W-W
Team news
England continue to deal with uncertainty at right-back. Jarell Quansah remains suspended, while Reece James is still battling fitness issues and may not be ready to start. Djed Spence is an option to return, although Ezri Konsa could again fill the role alongside central defenders John Stones and Marc Guehi.
Jordan Henderson is expected to miss out after undergoing wrist surgery following the Mexico match. There is better news for Tuchel regarding Declan Rice, who has recovered from illness after struggling against Norway.
Captain Harry Kane is set to earn his 121st England appearance, moving ahead of Wayne Rooney as the country’s most-capped outfield player, leaving only Peter Shilton ahead of him overall.
Bellingham has also enjoyed an outstanding tournament, scoring braces in consecutive knockout matches to move level with Kane on six World Cup goals. Both England stars are among the contenders in the Golden Boot race, although Lionel Messi currently leads the standings with eight goals.
Messi has also contributed heavily as a creator, reaching double figures for combined goals and assists across each of the last two World Cups. Alongside him, Scaloni must decide whether Julian Alvarez or Lautaro Martinez starts in attack after both found the net in extra time during the quarter-final.
Thiago Almada impressed from the bench against Switzerland, while Nico Gonzalez is another attacking alternative. However, Leandro Paredes’ defensive qualities could persuade Scaloni to retain an unchanged starting lineup.
Predicted lineups
England: Pickford; Konsa, Stones, Guehi, O’Reilly; Rice, Anderson; Saka, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane.
Argentina: Emiliano Martinez; Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Tagliafico; Paredes; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister; Messi, Alvarez.
