England vs Argentina: Predicted Lineups and Key Details for World Cup Semifinal in Atlanta
World Cup Semifinal Preview: England Faces Argentina in Atlanta
The stage is set at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium for a heavyweight clash between England and Argentina in the World Cup semifinals. Both teams carry rich histories in this competition, promising an intense battle.
Lionel Scaloni's Argentina, as reigning champions, chase a rare feat—winning consecutive World Cups, something not seen since Brazil’s triumphs in 1958 and 1962. Meanwhile, England aims to claim their first major trophy since 1966 and secure a spot in the Euro 2024 final rematch against Spain, who recently beat France.
The teams last met in the World Cup during the 2002 group stage, where England edged a 1-0 victory. Their earlier encounters include a dramatic 2006 Round of 16 penalty shootout win for Argentina following a 2-2 draw, marked by David Beckham’s red card. Of course, memories also linger from 1986 when Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' and 'Goal of the Century' sent England packing.
Projected England Starting XI (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford (#1)
- Defenders: Ezri Konsa (#2), John Stones (#5), Marc Guehi (#6), Nico O'Reilly (#3)
- Midfielders: Elliot Anderson (#8), Declan Rice (#4), Bukayo Saka (#7), Jude Bellingham (#10), Anthony Gordon (#18)
- Forward: Harry Kane (#9)
Injuries affect some key players: Jordan Henderson is out with a broken wrist, and Declan Rice faces illness and nerve pain but trained ahead of the match. Suspended defender Jarell Quansah misses this game. Right-back has been a challenge for coach Thomas Tuchel, but Konsa is expected to continue there after shifting from center-back.
Kane and Bellingham have been prolific, scoring all but one of England’s tournament goals, each sitting on six in the Golden Boot race.
Projected Argentina Starting XI (4-1-3-2)
- Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martinez (#23)
- Defenders: Nahuel Molina (#26), Cristian Romero (#13), Lisandro Martinez (#6), Nicolas Tagliafico (#3)
- Midfielders: Leandro Paredes (#5), Rodrigo De Paul (#7), Alexis Mac Allister (#20), Enzo Fernandez (#24)
- Forwards: Lionel Messi (#10), Julian Alvarez (#9)
No injuries or suspensions currently plague Argentina. Though Romero and Paredes were substituted during extra time in their quarterfinal, both are expected to start. Coach Lionel Scaloni might shift to a 4-3-3 formation, potentially replacing Paredes with Nicolas Gonzalez or Thiago Almada.
Lionel Messi leads Argentina with eight goals in this tournament, preparing for his first World Cup meeting against England.
Score Prediction and Broadcast Info
We think this semifinal will be tightly contested with a slight edge to England, predicting a 3-2 win after extra time.
The match airs on FOX in the United States, with streaming options via fubo, Fox One, and the Fox Sports app. Other regions can watch through TSN (Canada), BBC One (UK), SBS (Australia), and Unite8 Sports 1 (India).
