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England face Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals on Wednesday 15 July at the Atlanta Stadium, with both nations fighting for a place in the final. It is an intercontinental rivalry shaped by memorable World Cup encounters and intensified by political tensions off the pitch.
The two countries have not faced each other since 2005, while it will also mark the first time in Lionel Messi’s illustrious career that he has played against England. The Three Lions have one of the most talented squads in the tournament, while Argentina are loaded with players who understand what it takes to win at the highest level.
Below is our combined England-Argentina XI ahead of Wednesday’s World Cup semi-final:
Formation: 4-4-2
Goalkeeper
Both Premier League goalkeepers have been between the sticks for their respective nations at numerous major international tournaments, and both have been crucial to their national teams’ past and present success.
Emiliano Martínez gets the slight nod as the better shot stopper of the two. He has been a stalwart for Argentina as they won two Copa América titles and a World Cup, including massive performances in the penalty shootout.
Of course, his most iconic moment came in the last minute of extra time in the 2022 World Cup final when he made the save of his life against Randal Kolo Muani. That stop kept Argentina alive and they went on to win the final on penalties.
Referee: Emiliano Martínez, Argentina
Right back
Nahuel Molina continues to command the right-back position for Argentina and scored a huge goal in the 2022 World Cup quarter-final against the Netherlands.
But Reece James, despite being beaten up at times, gets pretty clear. When fit, James is widely recognized as one of the best right backs in world football.
Review: Reece James
Right center back
Ezri Konsa has been versatile for England, playing in central defense alongside Marc Guéhi while also providing cover at right-back due to England’s injuries and suspensions in that area. His versatility has been important for Thomas Tuchel.
However, Cristian Romero gets the nod as he has anchored Argentina’s back line for many years and remains one of the most reliable defenders in this side.
Review: Cristian Romero
Left center back
Marc Guéhi moved to Manchester City in January and completely changed the outlook for a back line that had been struggling. He has provided the necessary backbone defensively for England and he has consistently performed as one of their most reliable centre-backs throughout this World Cup and the last European Championship.
Lisandro Martínez’s ball-playing ability and physicality are key for Argentina, but Guéhi gets the nod here.
Review: Marc Guehi
Left Back
Nicolás Tagliafico feels like he has been part of this Argentina squad for decades and has always been the consistent piece at left back for his national team.
But on a technical level, Nico O’Reilly is truly out of this world. Even as a converted midfielder, he has shown his recovery speed and ability to handle the defensive demands of playing full-back.
O’Reilly is one of the youngsters at this WC who shows that he can go all the way to the top.
Review: Nico O’Reilly
Holding midfielder
Elliot Anderson’s ability off the ball, along with his passing range, has been important for England while playing in the dual pivot. He looks like one of those players who will be involved in the English setup for a long time.
But Enzo Fernández is one of the best midfielders in the world. He plays a slightly deeper role than he usually does for Chelsea, but he still does it at a high level.
Enzo gets the nod in this one, but Anderson is a decent player.
Review: Enzo Fernández
Left central midfielder
Due to formation issues, Anthony Gordon is listed as a left central midfielder and he has shown signs of why Barcelona brought him to the club for $80 million.
But Alexis MacAllister has to get the nod because of the winner he is. He played a huge role in Argentina winning the 2022 World Cup and Liverpool winning the Premier League, doing all the dirty work in midfield while also having the ability to be a threat going forward.
He showed that again in the quarter-final against Switzerland, where he scored the go-ahead goal in the 10th minute.
In the big games you want Mac Allister on your team.
Review: Alexis MacAllister
Right Central midfielder
After winning the Premier League, Declan Rice would love to double up by adding a World Cup to his CV.
Playing in the double pivot with Elliot Anderson has been important for England, especially earlier in the tournament, and his set-pieces have also been a real weapon.
Rice has had to deal with an illness during the tournament, but on his day he is still seen as one of the best midfielders in the world. Because of that, he gets the nod over Leandro Paredes, who was introduced into Argentina’s starting line-up as the tournament unfolded.
Review: Declan Rice
Central attacking midfielder
Jude Bellingham has been one of the players of the tournament, scoring six goals as a midfielder, while providing ball-carrying ability, doing the dirty work in midfield and still having the capacity to make late runs into the box and score goals.
He has done it all for England. And despite Rodrigo De Paul having a solid tournament and elevating the level we’ve seen from him at Inter Miami, Bellingham has the clear advantage in this one.
Review: Jude Bellingham
Right forward
This is one of the most lopsided conversations in this combined XI.
Lionel Messi has eight goals in six games and everything Argentina do going forward will run through him. Widely recognized as the best ever to do it, he continues to be the focal point of this Argentine side.
Madueke, who probably only plays for England due to Saka’s fitness, has been rather disappointing on several occasions in this tournament, including being sent off at half-time in the quarter-final against Norway.
Messi has a clear and wide advantage over Madueke in this one.
Rating: Lionel Messi
Left forward
Harry Kane has had a phenomenal tournament, scoring six goals at this World Cup to become England’s all-time leading World Cup goalscorer.
He had a crucial late game against DR Congo that saved England and allowed them to still be here today. Kane and Jude Bellingham have done some incredible heavy lifting for this England squad.
Julián Álvarez had a quiet start to the tournament, but it was only a matter of time before his quality shone through. He produced a brilliant moment of magic against Switzerland late in extra time to put Argentina 2-1 up and earn them a nail-biting quarter-final.
Álvarez is a very good player, but Kane gets the edge in this one.
Verdict: Harry Kane
Final Combined XI for Argentina and England
GC: Emiliano Martinez
RB: Reece James
CB: Christian Romero
CB: Marc Guéhi
LB: Nico O’Reilly
CM: Enzo Fernandez
CM: Alexis McAllister
CM: Declan Rice
CAM: Jude Bellingham
RW: Lionel Messi
ST: Harry Kane
