The World Cup semifinal everyone wanted is here. England and Argentina meet tonight in what could be the defining game of this tournament, and honestly, maybe of this entire rivalry. These two teams have history, but this feels different.
Argentina comes in as the defending champion, led by a 39-year-old Lionel Messi who somehow looks better than ever. He has eight goals so far this summer. Eight. At 39. That’s not normal. That’s not even supposed to be possible. But he keeps doing it, carrying Argentina within a win of a second straight World Cup final. Another trophy here and the GOAT debate is over. It probably already is.
The Goalie Battle Is Real
Jordan Pickford has been solid for England. He had one bad night against Norway, but overall he’s delivered when it counts. The problem for him is that Emi Martinez exists. Martinez has won four international trophies and two Yashin awards. His body of work with Argentina is ridiculous. He’s the kind of goalkeeper who gets in your head, and England’s attackers know it. Edge goes to Argentina here, and it’s not really close.
England’s Backline Has Questions
Reece James is back from a hamstring issue, which is huge for England. When healthy, he’s one of the best right backs in the world. The issue is that “when healthy” part. He hasn’t been consistently fit for years, and Argentina will test him early.
Cristian Romero is the kind of center back who makes you earn every inch. He’s the Spurs captain, he’s nasty, he’s good with the ball, and he embodies that relentless Argentine will to win. England’s attackers are going to feel him all night.
On the left, England’s young fullback has locked down that spot this tournament. He won Premier League Young Player of the Year. He’s got technical skill and physical presence. But this is the biggest test of his career: containing Lionel Messi on the biggest stage. That’s a coming-of-age moment if he pulls it off.
Midfield Is Where England Can Win This
Jude Bellingham is having a monster tournament. Anyone who doubted him before this World Cup looks foolish now. He’s a big-game player, and he’s reminded everyone why he’s considered one of the world’s best. He’s playing in North America, and he looks right at home.
Elliot Anderson has been arguably England’s standout performer after Bellingham and Harry Kane. The $116 million man has done everything Thomas Tuchel asked of him. You can see why Manchester City spent that kind of money.
Declan Rice looks like he’s running on fumes. He’s been playing so many minutes that even his teammates at Arsenal call him “horse” for his endurance. England needs him to find two more big performances. If he’s gassed, that’s a problem.
Kane and Alvarez Up Top
Harry Kane has scored over 70 goals for club and country this season. That’s not a typo. He’s having one of the most prolific campaigns of the 21st century, and he wants to cap it with a World Cup win. His Ballon d’Or case is strong.
Argentina has Julian Alvarez back and firing. His goal against Switzerland was sensational, a reminder that this team isn’t just Messi. There’s real threat around him.
The stage is set. Two teams, one spot in the final. Something has to give.
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