The England vs Argentina World Cup semi-final is a much-anticipated match and will take place in Atlanta on Wednesday, July 15. England vs Argentina has been an exciting match-up in World Cups historically and has produced some unforgettable matches.
One can hope that the England vs Argentina match on Wednesday will be another classic. In this piece, we will delve a little deeper to predict what England’s starting XI for the match could be.
England vs Argentina: Has Djed Spence Earned A Starting XI Spot?
Spence has produced two very good cameos in the Three Lions’ last two matches against Mexico and Norway. His stunning display against the Norwegians in the quarter-final helped his team turn the tide in their favour and has posed questions about whether he has earned a place in the starting XI.
However, it is worth remembering in this context that the English left-back will have the critical job of containing Lionel Messi’s runs through the inside-right channel, alongside the left-sided centre-back.
Nico O’Reilly, who has been starting as the left-back for the Three Lions in the tournament, produced a good defensive display against Norway and contained right-winger Alexander Sorloth.
Spence’s defensive ability remains a bit of a weak link, but his offensive traits are what the Three Lions have needed at times. Hence, Thomas Tuchel might prefer to field O’Reilly and Konsa as the two full-backs, as both of them are more equipped defensively than Spence.
England vs Argentina: Bukayo Saka’s Chance To Shine
Madueke again failed to impress much against Norway and might have to start on the bench in the England vs Argentina semi-final. Saka, who came on in the second half against Norway, has a strong chance of staking a claim for a spot in the starting XI.
Saka’s presence will give England a good option from counter-attacks, as he has the ability to get hold of the ball in transition and play crosses to onrushing players like Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham.
In addition, Bellingham has actually scored two goals from Saka’s crosses in this World Cup so far and will look to benefit further from the right-winger’s deliveries.
England are not likely to make any other change to their starting XI for the England vs Argentina match, and therefore, Spence should start on the bench, and Saka should replace Madueke in the starting XI.
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England vs Argentina: The Rest Of The Squad Picks Itself
England should field the centre-back duo of John Stones and Marc Guehi against Argentina, with both having played decently enough against Norway.
Other players like Kane, Bellingham, Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson and Jordan Pickford pick themselves and will look to make their mark in the England vs Argentina match.
This is the second time the Three Lions have made it to the World Cup semi-final in the last eight years. Argentina have played a few difficult matches in the knock-out rounds so far and will not find it easy in what promises to be another gruelling fixture.
Thus, England will fancy their chances of making it to the World Cup final for the first time since 1966. The Three Lions should thus start as the slight favourites in the England vs Argentina match.
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