England vs Argentina: Projected Lineups and Starting Elevens for World Cup Semifinal in Atlanta
World Cup Semifinal: England Meets Argentina at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
The upcoming semifinal between England and Argentina promises to be a thrilling contest steeped in rich World Cup history. Held at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium, this match carries weighty significance for both sides.
Argentina, led by Lionel Scaloni, aim to become the first team since Brazil in 1958 and 1962 to defend their world title. Meanwhile, England chase their first major trophy since lifting the World Cup in 1966, with hopes of setting up a Euro 2024 final rematch against Spain after the latter defeated France.
Historic Context Between England and Argentina
The two nations last met in a World Cup group stage in 2002, where England edged a 1-0 victory. Four years earlier, Argentina prevailed in a Round of 16 shootout following a 2-2 draw marked by David Beckham's red card. A landmark moment in this rivalry remains Diego Maradona’s infamous Hand of God and Goal of the Century in Mexico 1986, which knocked England out of the tournament.
England Projected Starting Lineup (4-2-3-1)
- GK: Jordan Pickford (1)
- DEF: Ezri Konsa (2), John Stones (5), Marc Guehi (6), Nico O'Reilly (3)
- MID: Elliot Anderson (8), Declan Rice (4), Bukayo Saka (7), Jude Bellingham (10), Anthony Gordon (18)
- FWD: Harry Kane (9)
Injuries: Jordan Henderson sidelined with a broken wrist; Declan Rice faces illness and nerve pain but trained ahead of the game.Suspended: Jarell Quansah serves the second match of his red-card ban.
Declan Rice's condition is a key concern given his fitness struggles during the tournament. Right-back selection has challenged coach Thomas Tuchel, yet Ezri Konsa is expected to continue on the flank following his performance against Norway. Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham share most of England’s goals, both tallying six in the Golden Boot race.
Argentina Projected Starting Lineup (4-1-3-2)
- GK: Emiliano Martinez (23)
- DEF: Nahuel Molina (26), Cristian Romero (13), Lisandro Martinez (6), Nicolas Tagliafico (3)
- MID: Leandro Paredes (5), Rodrigo De Paul (7), Alexis Mac Allister (20), Enzo Fernandez (24)
- FWD: Lionel Messi (10), Julian Alvarez (9)
No injuries or suspensions reported for Argentina. Cristian Romero and Leandro Paredes were rested briefly in extra time during their quarterfinal win but are expected to start. If Lionel Scaloni adjusts the lineup, Leandro Paredes might be replaced by Nicolas Gonzalez or Thiago Almada, shifting to a 4-3-3 formation.
Lionel Messi leads Argentina with eight goals in this tournament and will face England for the first time in this competition.
Match Prediction and Betting Odds
Predicted scoreline: England 3-2 Argentina (after extra time).
Viewing Information for England vs Argentina
The match will air on FOX in the United States. Streaming options include fubo, Fox One, and the Fox Sports app or website. Among streaming platforms, fubo stands out by offering live access to ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, and over 100 other channels without cable (subject to plan participation and applicable taxes).
