England vs. Argentina: World Cup Semifinal Lineup Predictions

Charlie Zschau Updated: 9 hours ago

England play Argentina in the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup on Wednesday, July 15th at 1:00 PM ET.

The second semifinal of this World Cup is a classic international rivalry, featuring two nations that have produced some of football's most iconic moments. The most memorable of these remains the 1986 quarterfinal in Mexico, where two of the most famous goals in history, scored by Diego Maradona within five minutes, sent Argentina through.

While the historical context has changed, the fierce rivalry between the two teams remains. This match presents a golden opportunity for both sides to showcase their true potential, especially after campaigns that have raised more questions than answers, particularly for Argentina.

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.

A date with Spain in the final is on the line, so both teams will have all to play for in this match.

2026 World Cup Bracket as of the Semifinals, featuring England vs. Argentina, and Spain in the Finals.

England's Predicted Lineup

Coach: Thomas Tuchel
Formation: 4-2-3-1

		ST Harry Kane

LW Anthony Gordon		AM Jude Bellingham		RW Bukayo Saka

	CM Elliot Anderson		CM Declan Rice

LB Nico O'Reilly				RB Reece James
	CB Marc Guehi		CB John Stones
		GK Jordan Pickford

England have maintained a relatively consistent starting lineup throughout the tournament, setting up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. The minor changes Thomas Tuchel has made concern the starting wingers and the right-back position.

Nico O'Reilly has locked down the left side of the defence throughout the tournament, and Anthony Gordon has been by far the most productive winger to pair with the Manchester City defender. Gordon has registered three assists in the tournament, whereas Marcus Rashford has not contributed since scoring in the opening group stage match against Croatia.

On the right, Bukayo Saka has been the primary winger, starting three of the last four matches. Noni Madueke started three of the first four games but has not contributed to a goal, while Saka has provided three assists. Tuchel will likely stick with the in-form players, making Gordon and Saka the clear choices on the wings.

The biggest question is who will play at right-back. Reece James is the most talented player in this position for England, but due to numerous injuries throughout his career, he lacks the recovery pace that Djed Spence possesses. Ezri Konsa is another option if Tuchel opts to push O'Reilly into midfield and deploy a back three. Although Konsa is a centre-back at Aston Villa, he is a strong option on the right side of a defensive trio.

For England to take the game to Argentina, Reece James is the best attacking option; however, if the manager prefers a more defensive structure, Spence and Konsa are both viable alternatives.

Argentina's Predicted Lineup

Coach: Lionel Scaloni
Formation: 4-1-2-1-2

	ST Julian Alvarez		ST Lionel Messi

		AM Enzo Fernandez
	LCM Alexis Mac Allister		RCM Rodrigo De Paul
		DM Leandro Paredes

LB Nicolas Tagliafico				RB Nahuel Molina
	CB Lisandro Martinez		CB Cristian Romero
		GK Emiliano Martinez

Argentina's veteran squad remains largely unchanged throughout the tournament. Lionel Messi starts up front, supported by four central midfielders and a consistent back four, all of whom were major contributors to the 2022 World Cup winning side.

The primary selection dilemma is whether Lautaro Martinez can displace Julian Alvarez in the starting lineup. Martinez started the first four matches, but Scaloni has opted for Alvarez alongside Messi in the last two games. However, Martinez has registered a goal and an assist in his last two substitute appearances, proving more effective in that role than Alvarez.