Last Word on Football brings you the latest team news and predicted lineups ahead of the England vs Argentina World Cup semifinal clash this Wednesday. These two historical rivals, both on and off the pitch where memories of past games and a certain handball will be replayed by both countries in the build-up.
It’s Kane and co versus Messi and co, and here’s everything you need to know ahead of this huge encounter that has a World Cup final place as the prize for the victors.
Read More: World Cup Predictions: England vs Argentina
England vs Argentina: Latest Team News and Predicted Lineups
Date: Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Venue: Atlanta Stadium
Kick-off: 8:00 pm UK, 3:00 pm Local, 4:00 pm Argentina
Last meeting: Argentina 2-3 England (Friendly, November 2005)
Referee: Ismail Elfath
Current odds:
England Team News
Declan Rice was replaced at halftime in the quarterfinal victory over Norway due to the effects of a sickness bug. However, there is hope that he will have fully recovered in time to start the semifinal.
Reece James, who replaced Rice in midfield, could return to his more natural position of right back now that he is England’s only available natural in that position. On the opposite side of the defence, Nico O’Reilly has been struggling slightly with a hamstring complaint, but should be available.
Thomas Tuchel must decide whether to keep faith in winger Noni Madueke, who failed to impress against Norway, or bring his Arsenal teammate Bukayo Saka back into the starting XI.
Jarell Quansah and Jordan Henderson are unavailable due to suspension and injury.
Kane Plays Down Rift
Captain Harry Kane has played down a rift between Jude Bellingham and Thomas Tuchel. He said: “When you are playing a game like that and to be asked a question five minutes after the final whistle, and he didn’t really know what had been said, what do you want Jude to say?
“We had just been through a battle. It is easy to try and create this division – it seems like an English thing to do at these major tournaments. But it is the complete opposite”.
Argentina Team News
Star man Lionel Messi is expected to be fully fit for the game, having been a very slight doubt with an eye injury sustained against Switzerland.
Head coach Lionel Scaloni could face a selection dilemma, having stuck with the same starting XI for the last four games, and fatigue beginning to set in on some players. Cristian Romero and Leandro Paredes were both substituted in the quarter-final, which raised fitness concerns.
However, Scoloni insists that his team will continue to give everything they have. “What this team has achieved is historic, even though we could have played better. It’s historic to be in a semi-final again,” he said. “It’s a privileged space in football, not an easy feat. We’re happy and excited now, and we will try to make it to the end with every last drop of sweat.”
England vs Argentina Predicted Lineups
England
Pickford
James
O’Reilly
Konza
Guehi
Rice
Anderson
Bellingham
Saka
Gordon
Kane
Argentina
Martínez
Molina
Romero
Martínez
Tagliafico
De Paul
Paredes
Mac Allister
Fernández
Messi
Álvarez
Road to the Semifinal
🏴 England 4-2 Croatia 🇭🇷
🏴 England 0-0 Ghana 🇬🇭
🏴 England 2-0 Panama 🇵🇦
🏴 England 2-1 DR Congo 🇨🇩
🏴 England 3-2 Mexico 🇲🇽
🏴 England 2-1 Norway 🇳🇴 – AET
🇦🇷 Argentina 3-0 Algeria 🇩🇿
🇦🇷 Argentina 2-0 Austria 🇦🇹
🇦🇷 Argentina 3-1 Jordan 🇯🇴
🇦🇷 Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde 🇨🇻 – AET
🇦🇷 Argentina 3-2 Egypt 🇪🇬
🇦🇷 Argentina 3-1 Switzerland 🇨🇭 – AET
Featured image courtesy of Imago/Bihlmayerfotografie
