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England face Argentina in the World Cup semi-final on Wednesday July 15 at Atlanta Stadium, with both nations battling it out for a place in the final. It is an intercontinental rivalry shaped by memorable World Cup encounters and intensified by political tensions off the field.
The two countries have not faced each other since 2005, and it will also be the first time in Lionel Messi’s illustrious career that he will play against England. The Three Lions boast one of the most talented squads in the tournament, while Argentina is full of 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 held positions for their respective nations at several major international tournaments, and both have played a vital role in the success of their national teams in the past and present.
Emiliano Martínez gets the slight nod as the better shooter of the two. He made a huge stride for Argentina, winning two Copa América titles and a World Cup, including massive performances on penalties.
Of course, his most iconic moment came in the final minute of extra time in the 2022 World Cup final, when he made the save of his life against Randal Kolo Muani. This save kept Argentina alive and they won the final on penalties.
Verdict: Emiliano Martínez, Argentina
Return
Nahuel Molina continues to man 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 banged up at times, gets the nod pretty clearly. When healthy, James is widely recognized as one of the best right-backs in world football.
Verdict: Reece James
Right central defender
Ezri Konsa has been versatile for England, playing as a central defender alongside Marc Guéhi while also providing cover at right back due to England’s injuries and suspensions in that area. His versatility was important for Thomas Tuchel.
Cristian Romero gets the nod though, as he has been the mainstay of Argentina’s backline for many years and continues to be one of this team’s most reliable defenders.
Verdict: Cristian Romero
Left central defender
Marc Guéhi joined Manchester City in January and completely changed the outlook of a struggling backline. He has provided the necessary defensive backbone for England, consistently performing 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.
Verdict: Marc Guéhi
Left rear
Nicolás Tagliafico feels like he’s been a part of the Argentine team for decades, and he’s always been the consistent left-back for his national team.
But on a technical level, Nico O’Reilly is truly out of the ordinary. Even as a converted midfielder, he showed his recovery speed and ability to handle the defensive demands of full-back play.
O’Reilly is one of those young people at this World Cup who are showing that they can go to the top.
Verdict: Nico O’Reilly
Holding midfielder
Elliot Anderson’s ability on the ball, as well as his passing range, was important for England when playing in this double pivot. He is one of those players who will remain involved in English training for a long time.
But Enzo Fernández is one of the best midfielders in the world. He’s playing a slightly bigger role than usual for Chelsea, but he’s still doing it at a high level.
Enzo gets the nod in this one, but Anderson is a good player.
Verdict: Enzo Fernández
Left central midfielder
Due to training issues, Anthony Gordon is listed as a left central midfielder and he showed why Barcelona brought him to the club for $80 million.
But Alexis Mac Allister has to get the nod because of the winner he is. He played a huge role in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup victory and Liverpool’s Premier League victory, doing all the dirty work in midfield while also having the ability to be a threat going forward.
He showed it again in the quarter-finals against Switzerland, scoring the go-ahead goal in the 10th minute.
In these big games, you want Mac Allister on your team.
Verdict: Alexis Mac Allister
RIGHT Central midfielder
After winning the Premier League, Declan Rice would love to double down by adding a World Cup to his CV.
Playing in the double pivot with Elliot Anderson was important for England, especially earlier in the tournament, and his set-piece delivery was also a real weapon.
Rice had to deal with illness during the tournament, but in his time he is still considered one of the best midfielders in the world. For this reason, he gets the nod over Leandro Paredes, who was introduced into the Argentine starting lineup as the tournament progressed.
Verdict: Declan Rice
Central attacking midfielder
Jude Bellingham was 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 ability to make late runs into the box and score goals.
He did everything for England. And although Rodrigo De Paul had a solid tournament and raised the level we saw from him at Inter Miami, Bellingham has a clear advantage in this one.
Verdict: Jude Bellingham
Front right
This is one of the most lopsided conversations in this combined XI.
Lionel Messi has eight goals in six games, and everything Argentina does in the future is through him. He is widely recognized as the best to ever do it, and he continues to be the focal point of this Argentina team.
Madueke, who is probably only playing for England due to Saka’s fitness, has been quite disappointing on several occasions during this tournament, including being substituted at half-time in the quarter-final match against Norway.
Messi has a clear and wide advantage over Madueke in this one.
Verdict: Lionel Messi
Left forward
Harry Kane has had a phenomenal tournament, scoring six goals in this World Cup to become England’s all-time leading World Cup scorer.
He scored a decisive double against DR Congo which saved England and allowed them to still be here today. Kane and Jude Bellingham have done an incredible job for this England team.
Julián Álvarez had a quiet start to the tournament, but it was only a matter of time before his qualities showed. He produced a brilliant moment of magic against Switzerland late in extra time to put Argentina 2-1 ahead and win a hard-fought quarter-final.
Álvarez is a very good player, but Kane takes the advantage in this one.
Verdict: Harry Kane
Combined final XI for Argentina and England
GK: Emiliano Martinez
RB: James Reece
CB: Christian Romero
CB: Marc Guéhi
kg: Nico O’Reilly
CM: Enzo Fernández
CM: Alexis MacAllister
CM: Declan Rice
CAM: Jude Bellingham
RW: Lionel Messi
ST: Harry Kane
