Argentina and England collide in Wednesday's second World Cup semi-final at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, with the winner set to fa
Argentina and England collide in Wednesday’s second World Cup semi-final at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, with the winner set to face Spain in Sunday’s final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The fixture renews one of football’s fiercest rivalries, from Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” in 1986 to David Beckham’s red card in 1998, and this time it will be written by a new generation, with Lionel Messi facing England for the first time in his incredible long career.
The defending champions have leaned heavily on their captain, who arrives with eight goals, the most at this tournament alongside Kylian Mbappe, after extending his own record for career World Cup goals to 21.
Argentina eased through the group stage with wins over Algeria, Austria and Jordan. Still, their knockout run has been far bumpier, needing extra time to see off Cape Verde 3-2 in the round of 32 before a dramatic 3-2 win over Egypt, capped by Enzo Fernandez’s 93rd-minute winner. They also needed extra time to beat Switzerland 3-1 in the quarter-final.
England, unbeaten so far, have been built on the dual threat of Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, who have scored six goals apiece.
Thomas Tuchel’s side opened with a 4-2 win over Croatia, drew 0-0 with Ghana, then beat Panama 2-0 to top their group.
They showed resolve in the knockouts, coming from behind to beat DR Congo in the round of 32 and grinding out a win over co-hosts Mexico with ten men in the round of 16, before edging Norway 2-1 in the quarter-final.
Argentina are chasing a fourth World Cup title and a second in succession, a feat last achieved by Brazil in 1958 and 1962.
England, meanwhile, are seeking a first final appearance since their lone triumph in 1966, having fallen agonisingly short at the semi-final stage in 1990 and 2018.
Defensively, both sides carry question marks, with Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez occasionally exposed at the back for Argentina. At the same time, goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and an England defence that has leaked goals in three of their last five matches will be tested by the movement of Messi, Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez.
Possible starting XI
Argentina (4-1-3-2)
Martinez (GK)
Molina, Martínez, Romero, Tagliafico (DF)
Parades (DM)
Enzo, Mac Allister, De Paul (AMF)
Messi, Álvarez (FW)
England (4-2-3-1)
Pickford (GK)
James, Konsa, Guehi, O’Reilly (DF)
Rice, Elliot (CDM)
Saka, Bellingham, Gordon (ATM)
Kane (ST)
COMMENTS