England v Argentina: Expected line-ups, stats and where to watch World Cup semi-final between arch-rivals

Both camps have attempted to play down the historical significance of the World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina but there is unquestionably an extra edge to this encounter.The two nations were at war in 1982 over the Falkland Islands and Argentinas fans make continual reference to the disputed territory in the South Atlantic. Even Argentinas players were heard chanting about the Falklands after Saturdays win over Switzerland.The sporting rivalry is no less controversial.In 1966, Argentina captain Antonio Rattin refused to leave the field after collecting two yellow cards in three first-half minutes against England at Wembley, meaning the game was held up for eight minutes. Afterwards, Three Lions boss Alf Ramsey described the Argentine side as animals.In 1986, the infamous Hand of God enabled eventual winners Argentina to squeeze past England and into the World Cup semi-finals. The goal itself was a handball from Diego Maradona, the former Napoli and Barcelona star punching the ball into the net. Maradona then added a brilliant second, picking the ball up on the halfway line and dribbling past the England defence before rounding goalkeeper Peter Shilton.Then in 1998, the World Cup meeting in St Etienne was level at 2-2 when David Beckham flicked out at Diego Simeone. The Argentina midfielder went down clutching his leg and Beckham was sent-off by referee Kim Milton Nielsen. Argentina went on to win on penalties with Simeone later admitting the referee fell into the trap.That political and sporting backdrop explains the added element of tension to this encounter with police in Atlanta on high alert with thousands of fans from both countries expected to converge on the city over the next 48 hours.Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni attempted to play down the occasion, insisting: This is a football game. We will be playing against a very tough opponent; they have an excellent coach, it is a football game, and that is all.That message was echoed by Englands experienced goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. I think its just [important to] solely focus on us as England now and us being at our best to beat another top nation, said the Everton stopper.Its us against them to get a place in the final, and its a game of football [whether it is] 90 minutes, 120, or penalties.Were ready for anything, and its us against them and its about who comes out on top. Were fully prepared for that.Both sides have enjoyed moments of fortune in reaching this stage. England can count themselves lucky that Norway had a goal ruled out for a push by Erling Haaland on Elliot Anderson during their 2-1 victory on Saturday.Argentina have had more than one decision go in their favour. Star man Lionel Messi was let off a red card after raking his studs down the Achilles tendon of Algeria captain Aissa Mandi in their opening game.Messi was let off and went on to score a hat-trick in a 3-0 win with Algeria putting in an official complaint to FIFA.Another North African team felt hard done to when Egypt had a goal disallowed against Argentina in their round-of-16 clash. Their frustration was compounded when Mohamed Salah saw a penalty shout dismissed shortly before Enzo Fernandez scored the winner for the defending champions.In the quarter-finals, Argentina were struggling to break down Switzerland until Breel Embolo was sent-off after receiving a second yellow card for simulation. Scalonis men went on to win 3-1 in extra-time.Table of ContentsTeam news for England v ArgentinaPredicted line-ups for England v ArgentinaWhere to watch England v Argentina: TV and online streamsStats for England v ArgentinaPrediction for England v ArgentinaResponsible GamblingTeam news for England v ArgentinaEnglands main concern surrounds key midfielder Declan Rice. Rice was taken off at half-time of the game against Norway with coach Thomas Tuchel later revealing the Arsenal man had spent three days in bed with a bug. There is also the issue of who starts at right-back. Reece James has returned to training but it would be a risk to throw him into a game of this magnitude. Ezri Konsa is the favourite to occupy the berth with John Stones alongside Marc Guehi in the centre. Jarell Quansah is suspended.Bukayo Saka is expected to replace Noni Madueke on the right of Englands attack.Like England, Argentina have yet to hit top gear and Scaloni tested a five-man defence in training on Monday. If he decides to go with that in Atlanta, then Rodrigo De Paul would drop to the bench with Nicolas Otamendi coming in.It remains likely, though, that it will be an unchanged team from the one that saw off Switzerland after extra-time.Predicted line-ups for England v ArgentinaEngland: Pickford; Konsa, Stones, Guehi, OReilly; Rice, Anderson, Bellingham; Saka, Gordon, KaneArgentina: E Martinez; Molina, Romero, L Martinez, Tagliafico; Paredes, De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernandez; Alvarez, MessiWhere to watch England v Argentina: TV and online streamsEngland versus Argentina kicks off on Wednesday night at 8pm UK time. You can watch it on BBC One and stream via BBC iPlayer.Stats for England v ArgentinaEngland have won six of 14 previous meetings with six draws (including 1986, a game Argentina won on pens)Among the teams they have played 3+ times at the World Cup, Argentina only hold a lower win rate against Italy (0%), Germany (14.3%), and the Netherlands (16.7%) than they do against England (20% W1, D2, L2).This is Argentinas sixth World Cup semi-final. They have reached the final from each of the previous five. England boss Thomas Tuchel is aiming to become the fourth manager to reach a World Cup final with a nation other than their home countryArgentina have scored 2.6 goals per 90 minutes at this World Cup. England have managed 2.1.Both teams have conceded 0.9 goals per 90 minutes at this World Cup.Prediction for England v ArgentinaIt promises to be a fiery clash and it could come down to which team can control their emotions. In that respect we fancy England to edge it, although dont expect a goal fest. Prediction: England 1-0 ArgentinaResponsible GamblingGambling should always be approached as entertainment, not as a way to generate income. If you ever feel that gambling is becoming a problem, there are several organisations you can contact for free, confidential support.National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, 8 am to midnight, 7 days a week)GamCare: www.gamcare.org.ukGambleAware: gambleaware.orgGamStop: www.gamstop.co.uk (free self-exclusion service)Tools available through bet365 include deposit limits, session time reminders, loss limits, self-exclusion and Reality Checks. These can be accessed via the Safer Gambling section of your account at any time. 18+ only. Please gamble responsibly. Topics Argentina National Football Team England National Football Team Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read England v Argentina: Appointment of Elfath as referee for World Cup semi-final unlikely to please Three Lions camp Jon Fisher 14th July, 2026 Lingering Rice doubt leaves England with potential midfield problem Nicholas McGee 14th July, 2026 England prepared for anything against Argentina as Pickford insists Three Lions cant just focus on Messi Nicholas McGee 13th July, 2026 World Cup 2026 semi-final predictions as Yamal and Bellingham aim to stop Messi-Mbappe rematch Nicholas McGee 13th July, 2026 Former England captain Terry compares Bellingham to Zidane and claims Three Lions are better than Argentina Jon Fisher 13th July, 2026 Atlanta police on high alert as England and Argentina fans converge for highly charged World Cup semi-final Jon Fisher 13th July, 2026