The preparations are complete for an epic showdown between England and the reigning champions, Argentina, in the semifinals of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Each team wants to secure a spot in the final. All eyes will be on Lionel Messi, Harry Kane, and Jude Bellingham in this clash of footballing legends.

The English squad, coached by Thomas Tuchel, has had a good tournament so far, having beaten Norway in the quarter-finals. Meanwhile, the Argentine national team, led by Lionel Scaloni, hopes to keep their success going after facing Switzerland in the quarter-finals. They will rely on their captain, Lionel Messi, as usual.

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England will aim to dominate with the midfield partnership of Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson. Bellingham's attacking runs could be crucial.

Argentina will once again count on Messi's brilliance. He will be supported by Julian Alvarez and a hardworking midfield led by Rodrigo De Paul and Alexis Mac Allister.

England Team News

England have no fresh injury concerns heading into the semi-final, giving Thomas Tuchel the luxury of naming his strongest available XI.

Harry Kane is expected to lead the attacking force, with Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon providing pace on the flanks. Jude Bellingham will continue in the No. 10 role and look to score more goals to fight for the top Golden Boot spot.

Argentina Team News

Expectations are high for Lionel Scaloni's team, which will field the same players that played the previous match. Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez will lead the attack, while Emiliano Martinez will be the man under the bar.

Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister will form the midfield trio and will look to dismantle England’s attack.

England vs Argentina Predicted Lineups

England Predicted Starting XI (4-2-3-1):

Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford

Defenders: Reece James, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Nico O'Reilly

Midfielders: Elliot Anderson, Declan Rice

Attacking Midfielders: Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon

Forward:Harry Kane

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Argentina Predicted Starting XI (4-4-2):

Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martinez

Defenders: Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico

Midfielders: Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez

Forwards: Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez