England vs Argentina: Predicted Lineups and Key Details for World Cup Semifinal in Atlanta

World Cup Semifinal Showdown: England vs Argentina at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

The highly anticipated semifinal between England and Argentina takes place at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Both teams carry rich World Cup legacies into this clash.

Argentina, led by Lionel Scaloni, aim to become the first nation since Brazil in the early 1960s to claim consecutive World Cup titles. Meanwhile, England chase their first major trophy since 1966, hoping to set up a Euro 2024 final rematch with Spain, who beat France on Tuesday.

Their World Cup history features memorable moments: England’s 1-0 win in the 2002 group stage and Argentina's penalty shootout victory in 1998’s Round of 16 after a 2-2 draw marked by David Beckham's red card. Of course, it has been four decades since Diego Maradona’s famous "Hand of God" and "Goal of the Century" eliminated England in 1986.

England’s Expected Starting Eleven (4-2-3-1)

• Goalkeeper: 1. Jordan Pickford
• Defenders: 2. Ezri Konsa, 5. John Stones, 6. Marc Guehi, 3. Nico O'Reilly
• Midfielders: 8. Elliot Anderson, 4. Declan Rice, 7. Bukayo Saka, 10. Jude Bellingham, 18. Anthony Gordon
• Forward: 9. Harry Kane

Injuries cloud England’s preparations, with Declan Rice uncertain due to illness and fitness troubles despite training ahead of the match. Right-back remains a puzzle for manager Thomas Tuchel, but Ezri Konsa is likely to continue at that position after switching from centre-back against Norway in the quarterfinal. Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham lead England’s scoring charge, each with six goals in the tournament.

Argentina’s Anticipated Starting Lineup (4-1-3-2)

• Goalkeeper: 23. Emiliano Martinez
• Defenders: 26. Nahuel Molina, 13. Cristian Romero, 6. Lisandro Martinez, 3. Nicolas Tagliafico
• Midfielders: 5. Leandro Paredes, 7. Rodrigo De Paul, 20. Alexis Mac Allister, 24. Enzo Fernandez
• Forwards: 10. Lionel Messi, 9. Julian Alvarez

No injuries or suspensions hamper Argentina. Cristian Romero and Leandro Paredes should recover from extra time substitutions in the last match. If Scaloni opts for tactical changes, Paredes might be replaced by Nicolas Gonzalez or Thiago Almada, shifting to a 4-3-3 formation. Lionel Messi, on eight goals, faces England for the first time in this tournament.

Match Prediction and Viewing Information

Predictions lean towards a thrilling encounter, possibly extending beyond regulation time, with an estimated score of England 3-2 Argentina after extra time.

Broadcast and Streaming Options

The match will air on FOX in the United States, with streaming available via fubo, Fox One, and the Fox Sports app or website. The streaming service fubo offers access to this and over 100 live channels including ESPN, ABC, and CBS without cable (participating plans only; taxes and fees may apply).

Other viewing options worldwide include:

• Canada: TSN1, TSN3, TSN4, TSN5, RDS (streaming on TSN+ and RDS app)
• UK: BBC One (via BBC iPlayer)
• Australia: SBS (via SBS On Demand)
• India: Unite8 Sports 1 (streaming on ZEE5)