England will play their second World Cup semi-final in eight years on Wednesday evening.
The Three Lions take on an old nemesis in Argentina at the Atlanta Stadium, coming up against Lionel Messi for the very first time.
England’s 2018 semi-final against Croatia ended in heartbreak, with Gareth Southgate’s men losing 2-1 after extra-time courtesy of a late Mario Mandzukic winner.
Will things be different in 2026? Against defending champions Argentina, it won’t be easy whatsoever, even if the South Americans are perhaps not the same force which dominated Qatar 2022.
England beat DR Congo (2-1), Mexico (3-2) and Norway (2-1) en route to Wednesday’s semi-final, with the XI chopping and changing throughout the knockout stage.
So, which team should Thomas Tuchel pick for the Argentina test? With Jarell Quansah suspended and Jordan Henderson injured, NetBet Sport runs through the best options available for this huge World Cup 2026 match…
GK – Jordan Pickford
England’s undisputed No1 looked a bit nervy against Norway, but there is no chance that Tuchel will drop him for such a big game – and rightly so given all he has done for the Three Lions.
RB – Reece James
James returned to action against Norway and if he is fit enough to start, it really is a no-brainer. He is England’s best right-back by a considerable distance.
CB – John Stones
Ezri Konsa has been great at World Cup 2026, but big matches require tough calls – and starting an experienced figure like Stones is one that has to be made. Stones played the full 120 minutes vs Norway and looked an assured figure for 90% of it. His knowhow and quality on the ball are crucial characteristics for a match against an opponent like Argentina. Sorry, Ezri.
CB – Marc Guehi
Guehi was bizarrely not included in the XI for the first match against Croatia, but has started every game since. His combination of physical prowess, speed and defensive nous make him the perfect candidate to take on Messi, should the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner find enough space to challenge the back-line.
LB – Djed Spence
Nico O’Reilly is struggling with a minor hamstring injury, so the stage looks set for Spence to build on his hugely promising cameo vs Norway. The Tottenham defender’s pace could also be really handy with regard to thwarting Argentina’s attack.
CM – Declan Rice
Rice was struggling with illness vs Norway, but should be healthy enough to start here – a huge boost for England’s aims of containing the free-roaming Messi by stopping the service into him.
CM – Elliot Anderson
Anderson has barely put a foot wrong at World Cup 2026, and the new Manchester City midfielder looks like being an England mainstay for many years to come. Like Rice, his energy should come in very handy in terms of limiting Messi’s influence.
RW – Morgan Rogers
A bold call for sure. However, Bukayo Saka just does not look fit enough to start, and is perhaps best served in an impact role off the bench. Rogers has the ball-carrying ability and speed to occupy the right flank well, and has far better decision making than Noni Madueke – who was awful against Norway. Argentina’s full-backs like to play high up the pitch too, which would be music to the ears of the explosive Rogers.
CAM – Jude Bellingham
Probably the easiest pick of the lot. Bellingham scored match-winning braces against both Mexico and Norway, taking him to six goals and one assist for the tournament. He has been the driving force behind England’s run to the semis.
LW – Anthony Gordon
Gordon had a slow start to the tournament, but now sits on three assists from five appearances. Argentina’s options at right-back in Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel are not the best either, so this match looks tailor-made for the speedy Gordon to thrive.
ST – Harry Kane
Another easy selection. England’s record scorer failed to really get going in the Miami heat vs Norway, but like Bellingham has six goals and one assist at World Cup 2026 – a seriously good record.
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