- Check the predicted starting XIs for England and Argentina ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal.
- Lionel Messi, Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham headline a blockbuster clash for a place in the final.
- Get the latest team news, expected formations and key selection calls before kickoff.
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.
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.
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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