Here are the confirmed starting lineups for the World Cup Semi-Final as England take on Argentina at the Atlanta Stadium today. The winner will face Spain in the final on Sunday in New York City.
The Three Lions and La Albiceleste have been historical rivals both on and off the pitch for many years, and this game is set to be another epic encounter as Kane and co lock horns with Messi and co for the chance to win the 2026 World Cup.
Argentina are the reigning champions and England are desperate to end 60 years without a major trophy. Check out the latest team news and starting XI’s below
Read More: World Cup Semi-Final Predictions
England vs Argentina: World Cup Semi-Final Confirmed Starting Lineups
England Team News
Only Jordan Henderson and Jarell Quansah are set to miss the game through injury and suspension, respectively. Thomas Tuchel and his staff have been keeping a close eye on midfielder Declan Rice. The Arsenal star was substituted after 45 minutes against Norway due to the effects of a sickness bug. He has now recovered from the illness, but fatigue could be an issue, although there is hope that he will be fit to start.
The only fit right back in the squad, Reece James, could start with either John Stones or Ezri Konsa dropping out. Djed Spence is pushing to start ahead of Nico O’Reilly, as is Bukayo Saka, who could start ahead of Noni Madueke, who failed to impress against Norway.
Argentina Team News
Star man and joint top scorer in the tournament, Lionel Messi, is expected to be fully fit for the game. He had been a very slight doubt with an eye injury sustained against Switzerland; however, any fears that he could be missing have now gone.
Elsewhere in the team, head coach Lionel Scaloni could face a selection dilemma. He has stuck with the same starting XI for the last four games, and there are fears that fatigue is beginning to set in on some players. Cristian Romero and Leandro Paredes both left the field early in the quarter-final, which has raised fitness concerns. However, it would be a surprise if they did not start.
World Cup Semi-Final Confirmed Starting Lineups
England XI
Will appear here approximately 90 mins before kickoff
Argentina XI
Will appear here approximately 90 mins before kickoff
Tuchel Praises Argentina, but His Side Is Ready for Them
Ahead of the game, England boss Thomas Tuchel was full of praise for the opposition but said his team is ready. He said: “They’re almost the same group as four years ago. You can see the cohesion, you can see the sacrifice that they put into it. They don’t panic when they’re behind. They believe in their style. And their style is a very emotional style. It was in Qatar and it is now.
“And of course, they are fuelled by history, it means a lot to them. But we are also emotional, we have the grit, we have the mentality that it takes to go up against it. And we are ready for it.”
Lionel Scaloni Insists That It Is a Football Game, and That is All
Argentina’s head coach, Lionel Scaloni, is not getting drawn into politics ahead of the game, insisting that this is a game of football. He said: “The message is this is a football game. That is what I can say.
“We will be playing against a very tough opponent, they have an excellent coach, it is a football game and that is all. Obviously inside and outside the four lines of the pitch it’s a matchup that has a lot of history there, a lot of pain and a lot of things behind it.
“I think we are professionals and we’re going to play it like we play every game: until the last second, leaving our lives on the field.”
Featured Image courtesy of IMAGO / Pond5 Images
