England vs Argentina Prediction, Betting Tips & Odds

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World Cup Predictions

by Fred Mwambu

20 hours ago 0 7

Last Updated on July 14, 2026

Competition – FIFA World Cup 2026
Semifinal – Wednesday, 15 July 2026
Kick-off – 10 pm
Venue – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta

The winner faces the winner between France/Spain in the final in New Jersey (Jul 19).

Why England vs Argentina match matters

England versus Argentina ranks high up there among the top World Cup rivalries and these fixtures have never lacked drama and are ranked as one of the most hostile in the history of the tournament. We expect a lot of that at the Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atalanta on Wednesday night with Argentine legend Lionel Messi facing the Three Lions for the first-time ever in a competitive fixture. This rivalry will be renewed for the first time in 24 years from the last time it was played at the 2002 World Cup in Korea-Japan. In that match, former England captain’s 44^th minute penalty ensured England beat Argentina and seal their progress to the knockouts as Argentina bowed out at the group stage.

A rivalry for the ages

But earlier meetups produced fireworks. At the 1998 World Cup in France, Beckham was sent off early in the second half for a controversial foul on Diego Simeone. With the match tied at 2-2, Beckham reacted angrily to a foul by the former Argentine defender, with Argentina going on to eliminate England 4-3 on penalties with Paul Ince and David Batty missing their kicks.

This rivalry started in 1966, when Argentina captain Antonio Rattin was sent off, with his compatriots protesting the second booking as unfair, including the skipper himself forced out by police escort. Then came Geoff Hurst’s goal that Argentina protested, claiming it was offside and went on to call it “The theft of the century”. England were the hosts and went on to win their only World Cup.

Then in Mexico 1986, another very controversial moment came, this time at the quarterfinal stage. Argentina grabbed the lead through a very controversial goal by Diego Maradona, who punched the ball into the net. Maradona also went on to score the second goal with a spectacular solo drive that was voted goal of the century.

The world at Messi’s feet

Argentina ran over their opponents in the group stages but had to dig deep in the knockouts to reach the last eight. Against Cape Verde in the Round of 32, Argentina had to rely on an own goal to win it 3-2 with nine minutes of extra time remaining to avoid the penalty lotteries despite Lionel Messi scoring first. Then against Egypt in the Round of 32, Argentina were forced to fight their way back from 2-0 to win 3-2. Egypt scored three times but one goal was controversially called off for an earlier foul on Lautaro Martinez.

Kane-Bellingham revolver

England’s route was not straightforward. A second-half inspired assault led to a 4-2 win over a resilient Croatia in the opening group game, then they were held to a dour barren draw against Ghana. Then came a 2- 1 win from a goal down, courtesy of a Harry Kane-inspired late double in the final 15 minutes to beat DR Congo in the Round of 32. In the last round, England were forced to their element to survive harsh conditions to eliminate Mexico at the Azteca Stadium. Kane and Jude Bellingham are the engine of Thomas Tuchel’s attack, scoring twelve of England’s 13 goals, with each scoring six with one assist.

England team news

Wingback Jarell Quansah is still serving a two-match ban and thus will be missed for this match but will return if England goes on to reach the final. Jordan Henderson twisted his arm awkwardly during their celebrations after their win over Mexico and will be out for the remaining part of the tournament. Declan Rice was reportedly sick but has recovered and will be available for selection, but Reece James remains a big doubt to feature in this tournament.

Key English players to watch

Harry Kane is chasing Lionel Messi and Mbappé for the Golden Boot after scoring six goals in six games. He has also assisted one goal and is now the outright all-time top scorer for the Three Lions. Jude Bellingham has ably matched Kane’s output, with six goals in six games and one assist, but should be careful not to pick up another caution that could make him miss the final if England progress. Together with Kane, the attacking duo has scored 12 of the 13 goals England has scored at this tournament. Bukayo Saka has not featured prominently, but together with Anthony Gordon, the duo have provided three assists each and are crucial in breaking down opposition defences to unlock spaces for Kane and Bellingham. Declan Rice has been key in anchoring England’s midfield and is crucial in protecting the back four from attacks and disrupting the opposition’s movements.

Key Argentine players to watch

Lionel Messi is the all-time leading scorer with 21 goals and has already scored eight at this tournament. Enzo Fernandes scored the dramatic stoppage-time winner over Egypt and will continue to run the business in the midfield alongside Alexis MacAllister. Emiliano Martinez has been a towering presence in Argentina’s goal and will be key in organising his defence to manage the red-hot duo of Kane and Bellingham. Lautaro Martinez is key in their movements around the box despite struggling to score as expected of his profile.

England’s last six World Cup matches

12.07.2026 – Norway 1-2 England (AET)
06.07.2026 – Mexico 2-3 England
01.07.2026 – England 2-1 DR Congo
28.06.2026 – Panama 0-2 England
23.06.2026 – England 0-0 Ghana
17.06.2026 – England 4-2 Croatia

Record: 5 Wins, 1 Draw, 0 Losses
Goals scored: 13
Goals conceded: 7

Argentina’s last six World Cup matches

12.07.2026 – Argentina 3-1 Switzerland (AET)
07.07.2026 – Argentina 3-2 Egypt
04.07.2026 – Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde (AET)
28.06.2026 – Jordan 1-3 Argentina
22.06.2026 – Argentina 2-0 Austria
17.06.2026 – Argentina 3-0 Algeria

Record: 6 Wins, 0 Draws, 0 Losses
Goals scored: 17
Goals conceded: 6

Head-to-head results

12.11.2005 – England 3-2 Argentina
07.06.2002 – Argentina 0-1 England
23.02.2000 – England 0-0 Argentina
30.06.1998 – Argentina 2-2 England (Argentina won 4-3 on penalties)
25.05.1991 – England 2-2 Argentina

Head-to-head summary

England wins: 2
Argentina wins: 0
Draws: 3
Goals: England 8-6 Argentina

Form guide

England: W-W-W-W-D-W
Argentina: W-W-W-W-W-W

Predicted lineups for England vs Argentina

England: Jordan Pickford; Ezri Konsa-Marc Guehi-John Stones-Nico O’Reilly; Declan Rice-Kobbie Mainoo-Jude Bellingham; Bukayo Saka-Harry Kane-Anthony Gordon.

Argentina: Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina-Cristian Romero-Lisandro Martínez-Nicolás Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul-Leandro Paredes-Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi-Julián Álvarez.