World champions Argentina have got England standing between them and a chance to retain the trophy.
Argentina are aiming to become the first team to retain the World Cup since Brazil in 1962 and La Albiceleste have a perfect record at this stage, progressing to the final on all five of their previous appearances in semi-finals.
England, World Cup winners in 1966, have appeared in two semi-finals since – in 1990 and 2018 – and lost both.
The last competitive meeting of these nations was at the 2002 World Cup in Japan & South Korea when David Beckham's penalty sealed a 1-0 win for England in Sapporo in the group stage as Argentina crashed out.
England vs. Argentina betting picks and predictions
Over 2.5 Goals (+130)
This game can defy World Cup semi-final trends by producing at least three goals in 90 minutes, a stat that has landed in just three of the 12 semi-finals played this century.
These games are tense in their very nature, given the prize on offer, but both England and Argentina have failed to convince defensively so far in the tournament.
The Three Lions have leaked six times in six games, only shutting out Ghana and Panama. Argentina have also been breached six times, including in each of three knockout games so far, ensuring both sides have failed to earn a clean sheet since the group phase ended.
Thomas Tuchel and Lionel Scaloni will do their best to alter those stats but attack might be the form of defence for both sides and we could see a rollercoaster ride in Atlanta.
Jude Bellingham to score or assist (+175)
Between them Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane have accounted for 12 of England's 13 goals at this World Cup.
The Real Madrid midfielder also has one assist and has become the torchbearer for England after doubles against Mexico and Norway.
Bellingham is thriving and his ability to arrive late into pockets of space in the 18-yard-box, allied to a razor-sharp mind when a chance presents itself, has been the main driving force for England as he showed when pouncing on a spilled shot during extra-time in the quarter-final win over Norway.
He's proving to be a real leader for the Three Lions and should get more chances against the Argentina side.
Declan Rice to be booked (+300)
England midfielder Declan Rice spent the best part of three days in bed with an illness prior to facing Norway in the last eight.
He was replaced at half-time by Arsenal clubmate Eberechi Eze, with Tuchel suggesting afterwards the decision was tactical as he plotted a more offensive approach and wanted to retain Elliott Anderson given how Rice had suffered pre-game.
Rice has two bookings at the World Cup and three in his last six games for club and country after also being carded in the UEFA Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.
With the likes of Alexis MacAllister, Rodrigo de Paul, Julian Alvarez and the excellent Lautaro Martinez presenting as foils to Messi in the Argentine attack, Rice and his midfield comrades will have their share of defensive work to do again now.
All yellow cards are wiped after the quarter-finals, ensuring a clean disciplinary slate for yellow-card accumulation now exists and therefore a single booking in the semi-final cannot lead to a suspension for the final. That leaves Rice free to make any necessary tackles and he could pick up another booking.
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England vs. Argentina odds
England | +155 |
Tie | +200 |
Argentina | +200 |
England vs. Argentina player props
Anytime goalscorer
Lionel Messi (Argentina) | +120 |
Harry Kane (England) | +140 |
Julian Alvarez (Argentina) | +250 |
Lautaro Martinez (Argentina | +250 |
Jude Bellingham (England) | +300 |
Anthony Gordon (England) | +400 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
