Character versus experience: prediction for England vs Argentina in the World Cup semi-final
The second finalist of the World Cup will be determined on Wednesday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, where England and Argentina will battle it out. The reigning world champions face off against Thomas Tuchel’s side, who have shown remarkable resilience throughout the play-offs and now stand just one step away from the tournament’s decisive match.
England: Kane and Bellingham have become Tuchel’s main force
The Three Lions haven’t had a single easy match in the knockouts, yet they’ve found a way to handle the pressure every time. Against DR Congo, the team staged a comeback thanks to a Harry Kane brace. Against Mexico, they withstood a fierce onslaught at a packed Azteca, and in the quarter-finals against Norway, they turned the game around after two goals from Jude Bellingham.
Thomas Tuchel’s biggest achievement has been forging an effective partnership between Kane and Bellingham, who have each scored six goals at the tournament. Kane often drops deep to create space for teammates, while Bellingham exploits those open areas with his runs from midfield. Jarell Quansah will miss the match due to suspension, but Reece James is expected to return at right-back.
Argentina: the championship core faces more trials
Argentina have reached the semi-finals, but none of their play-off matches have come easy. Cape Verde managed to force extra time, Egypt led 2-0, and Switzerland only fell in overtime after Breel Embolo was sent off. In their latest match, both Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez netted their first goals at this stage of the tournament.
Lionel Scaloni is relying on a compact midfield and has used a 4-4-2 diamond formation in the last two matches. Enzo Fernández plays ahead of the midfield trio, setting the stage for Lionel Messi to shine. The Albiceleste’s biggest asset is their chemistry: the starting eleven regularly features the same core of players who won the World Cup in Qatar.
Probable line-ups
- England: Pickford, James, Stones, Guehi, O’Riley, Rice, Anderson, Saka, Bellingham, Gordon, Kane.
- Argentina: Martínez, Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Tagliafico, Paredes, De Paul, Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, Messi, Álvarez.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Both teams have scored in seven of the last nine meetings.
- Five of the last seven encounters have seen at least three goals scored.
- Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have each scored six goals at this World Cup.
Both sides to score: prediction for England vs Argentina
England look more energetic and versatile, and the Kane-Bellingham partnership could pose a real threat to Argentina’s defence. The return of Reece James and the possible inclusion of Bukayo Saka from the first minute should also boost Tuchel’s options down the right flank.
Argentina have yet to display flawless football, but they make up for any shortcomings with experience and the ability to survive high-pressure matches. Scaloni’s team boasts a well-drilled championship core, a strong midfield, and of course, Lionel Messi, making it extremely difficult to pick a winner in regular time. The best bet looks to be on “Both teams to score.”
