England face Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals tonight. The two sides are laden with talent with the likes of Lionel Messi, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane all impressing in the United States, Canada and Mexico this summer.But who would make a combined XI?Table of ContentsGOALKEEPERDEFENDERSMIDFIELDERSFORWARDSGOALKEEPEREmiliano Martinez (Argentina)Widely recognised as the best goalkeeper in the world, Martinez just gets the nod over Englands Jordan Pickford. The Aston Villa stopper has conceded six goals in six games in Argentinas run to the semis.DEFENDERSRight-backNahuel Molina (Argentina)The common sense choice given the fact England have had to chop and change at right-back due to injuries, suspension and a poor initial squad selection. Molina is solid, if unspectacular.Central defenceMarc Guehi (England)After bizarrely being left out by Thomas Tuchel for the opening win over Croatia, Guehi has brought stability and calmness to the heart of the England defence. The Manchester City defender has all the attributes required of a top centre-half.Lisandro Martinez (Argentina)The diminutive Manchester United man has been the stand-out in the Argentina back four with a series of combative displays. Small in stature, he compensates with tigerish tackling and sound positional awareness.Left-backNico OReilly (England)Has quietly had a very good first major tournament with the Three Lions. Still only 21 years of age, he has defended well but also joined in with the attack, often being the extra man in midfield.MIDFIELDERSDefensive midfieldDeclan Rice (England)Struggled with illness during the win over Norway but was superb in the group stage. Classed as a defensive midfielder, the Arsenal man is also good going forward and provides the set-pieces. A key part of the England machine.Elliot Anderson (England)The perfect partner for Rice. Like OReilly, Anderson has burst on to the international scene and looked very comfortable in his new surroundings. Physical but always looking to play forward, Anderson has more mobility than his Argentinian opponents.Attacking midfieldJude Bellingham (England)Who else? Bellingham has carried England to the last four with six goals, one assist and man of the match displays against both Mexico and Norway. The Real Madrid star is rapidly developing into Englands main man.FORWARDSLionel Messi (Argentina)Was it in doubt? Messi trails only Kylian Mbappe in the race for the Golden Boot with eight goals and two assists in six games. Even at the age of 39, he is the man England have to contain tonight.Julian Alvarez (Argentina)Plays predominantly as the number nine but likes to roam and influence the game. Quick and deadly in front of goal, Alvarez scored with a stunning curling effort in the win over Switzerland and is now firmly first choice ahead of Lautaro Martinez.Harry Kane (England)Three Lions captain and record scorer, Kane carries Englands greatest goal threat. Having looked unfit during Euro 2024, the Bayern Munich star has produced a series of superb displays at the 2026 World Cup.Provided by https://www.lineup-builder.co.uk/ Topics Argentina National Football Team England National Football Team Lionel Messi 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 Argentina fans told Falkland Islands flags will be banned as vice-president labels England usurping pirates ahead of World Cup semi-final Jon Fisher 15th July, 2026 Diego Maradonas son says England clash is not a normal game and urges Argentina fans to remember those killed in the Falklands Jon Fisher 15th July, 2026 Lionel Messi: Every England players record vs Argentina and World Cup icon including three wins out of five for defenders Ben Miller 15th July, 2026 England defender Stones believes experience of previous semi-final wins will be key against Argentina Jon Fisher 15th July, 2026 England boss Tuchel admits it is asking a lot to play with calm heads against old rivals Argentina in World Cup semi-final Jon Fisher 15th July, 2026 England v Argentina: Expected line-ups, stats and where to watch World Cup semi-final between arch-rivals Jon Fisher 15th July, 2026
