England’s Greatest Test Yet
England and Argentina meet in Atlanta on Wednesday evening with a place in the big final at stake. The Three Lions are aiming to reach their first final in the tournament since 1966, while Argentina continue their defence of the trophy they won in Qatar four years ago. Let’s take a closer look at Wednesday’s big semi-final!
Match Preview
England have become increasingly familiar with the latter stages of major tournaments in recent years, but Thomas Tuchel’s side have rarely made life easy for themselves during this campaign.
After navigating an inconsistent group stage, the Three Lions edged past DR Congo before producing one of the performances of the tournament against Mexico in the Azteca. Their quarter-final against the popular Scandinavians proved another demanding examination, with Jude Bellingham’s two goals eventually helping England recover from behind to win after extra time.
The attacking side of England’s game has certainly improved as the tournament has progressed. Tuchel’s side have scored at least twice in each of their last four matches, while both Harry Kane and Bellingham remain firmly involved in the race for the Golden Boot.
Defensively, however, concerns remain. England looked vulnerable during periods in their quarter-final and have struggled at times against teams willing to attack with pace and movement. Against Argentina, those issues could become even more significant.
The world champions have survived several scares of their own to reach Atlanta. Argentina required extra time against Cape Verde, produced a remarkable comeback from two goals down against Egypt and then needed Julian Alvarez’s moment of brilliance to overcome Switzerland in the quarter-finals.
Those experiences have only reinforced the resilience that has become the defining characteristic of Lionel Scaloni’s side.
Argentina have now won 13 consecutive matches and remain unbeaten in the tournament since their opening defeat to Saudi Arabia in 2022. During that run they have scored at least twice in every match, underlining the attacking threat they continue to carry despite an ageing squad.
Messi remains the centrepiece. The captain leads the Golden Boot standings with eight goals and continues to decide the biggest matches, while Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez offer Scaloni different options alongside him.
History adds another layer to the occasion. England and Argentina have shared some of the tournament’s most memorable moments, and another chapter now awaits in Atlanta.
Team News
England remain short of options at right-back. Jarell Quansah is suspended, while Reece James is unlikely to be risked from the start following his recent fitness issues. Djed Spence could therefore return to the lineup, although Ezri Konsa remains an alternative.
Jordan Henderson is expected to miss out after undergoing wrist surgery, while Declan Rice is hoping to recover from illness in time to start.
Kane is set to become England’s most-capped outfield player, while Bellingham arrives on the back of consecutive braces.
Argentina have fewer concerns. Scaloni could retain the same side that defeated Switzerland, although Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez continue to compete for the opportunity to partner Messi in attack.
Leandro Paredes may once again be preferred in midfield as Argentina look for greater defensive security against England’s attacking players.
Odds and Tips
England have improved going forward as the tournament has progressed, but Argentina continue to look like a team that always finds solutions when under pressure.
The world champions possess greater experience in these situations and their attacking quality could prove decisive once again.
Tip: Argentina to win at 3.10.
Don’t forget that we also have Early Payout on this match, which you can read more about here.
Odds might have changed since the writing and/or publication of this article.
Last Updated: 14.07.2026
