England will take on Argentina in the World Cup semifinals on Wednesday, July 15, at Atlanta Stadium, with both nations competing for a place in the final. It is an intercontinental rivalry shaped by memorable World Cup encounters and intensified by political tensions away from the pitch.
The two countries have not faced each other since 2005, while this will also mark the first time in Lionel Messis illustrious career that he has played against England. The Three Lions possess one of the most talented squads in the tournament, while Argentina is filled with players who understand what it takes to win at the highest level.
Below is our combined England-Argentina XI ahead of Wednesdays World Cup semifinal:
Both Premier League goalkeepers have been between the posts for their respective nations at multiple major international tournaments, and both have been critical to their national teams success in the past and present.
Emiliano MartÃnez gets the slight nod as the better shot-stopper of the two. He has come up huge for Argentina as they won two Copa América titles and a World Cup, including massive performances in penalty shootouts.
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 a lifetime against Randal Kolo Muani. That stop kept Argentina alive, and they went on to win the final on penalties.
Verdict: Emiliano MartÃnez, Argentina
Nahuel Molina continues to command the right-back position for Argentina and scored a huge goal in the 2022 World Cup quarterfinal 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
Ezri Konsa has been versatile for England, playing as the center back next to Marc Guéhi while also providing cover at right back because of Englands injuries and suspensions in that area. His versatility has been important to Thomas Tuchel.
Cristian Romero gets the nod, though, as he has anchored Argentinas back line for many years and continues to be one of the most reliable defenders in this side.
Verdict: Cristian Romero
Marc Guéhi made the move to Manchester City in January and completely changed the outlook of a back line that had been struggling. He has provided that necessary backbone defensively for England, consistently performing as one of their most reliable center backs throughout this World Cup and the last European Championship.
Lisandro MartÃnezs ball-playing ability and physicality are key for Argentina, but Guéhi gets the nod here.
Verdict: Marc Guehi
Nicolás Tagliafico feels like he has been part of this Argentina squad for decades, and he has always been that consistent piece at left back for his national team.
But on a technical level, Nico OReilly is really out of this world. Even as a converted midfielder, he has shown his recovery speed and ability to handle the defensive demands of playing fullback.
OReilly is one of those youngsters at this World Cup who is showing that he can go to the very top.
Verdict: Nico O’Reilly
Elliot Andersons ability off the ball, along with his passing range, has been important for England while playing in that double 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 is playing a slightly deeper role than he usually does for Chelsea, but he is still doing it at a high level.
Enzo gets the
