England to face Argentina in World Cup semi-final (Image: Getty)
England faced Argentina in the semi-finals of the World Cup, knowing that a win would seal their first place in the final since 1966. The Three Lions have only reached this far in the World Cup three times before, and Thomas Tuchel’s side knew that back-to-back wins would make them immortalized in the country’s history.
But standing in their way to qualify for the final is the holder and the greatest footballer of all time, Lionel Messi. The eight-goal attackers share the top spot with the Golden Boot, and the South Americans have some familiar big names in Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandes and Cristian Romero. So who should Tuchel choose in his starting XI to record a famous win against Argentina? Express Sport selects lineup for grudge match in Atlanta
Who else is there? The Everton goalkeeper won his 91st cap against Argentina and will be hoping to keep his third clean sheet this World Cup. Pickford was targeted by some players beyond the fluke of Norway’s goal, but he still has a lot of confidence in the bank and is certain to start while he is healthy.
Defense: James, Konsa, Stones, O’Reilly
This is where the difficult decisions begin. The first is at right-back, with Jarrell Quansah remaining suspended. Ezri Konsa was solid against Norway. But Reece James is a natural right-back and the best two-way option so far.
He is an elite attacking right-back and a defensive right-back, and given that Argentina are the highest-scoring team in the competition, a win against Argentina may depend on whether he can get into the game or not. Konsa at centre-back means there will be a high-profile absence from Mark Gehi, who will partner John Stones. That’s the second big challenge.
The left-back position is Tuchel’s third major discussion point, as whoever is selected will be facing Messi. Jed Spence is a one-on-one specialist and is probably the best match for Messi, but it would be very tough to leave Nico O’Reilly on the bench.
Manchester City’s 21-year-old has had very impressive performances in the competition so far, but he is a physical mismatch with Argentina’s No. 10. Furthermore, given Messi’s inability to press at age 39 and his ability to flip and provide an extra body in midfield, his job in possession could be even more important than his job without the ball. O’Reilly agrees with us.
Anthony Gordon and Ezri Konsa both start in our preferred eleven (Image: Getty)
Declan Rice only played 45 minutes against Norway, but that was due to illness rather than injury. He suffered from food poisoning during the build-up and even though England won 2-1, he also looked undercooked.
Rice had time to rest and recover, so now he has to start again. James is at right back, Jordan Henderson is out and Koby Mainu doesn’t have the same energy and physicality off the ball. With Rice and Elliott Anderson’s strength in possession and quality on the ball, England should be able to win this game.
Attack: Saka, Bellingham, Gordon. Kane
It would not be surprising to speculate who will start at centre-forward and who will take on the number 10 role behind him. Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have scored 12 of England’s 13 goals at this World Cup.
Noni Maduke played in four of England’s six matches, but was substituted at half-time against Norway. And Bukayo Saka was even more threatening in his 75 minutes on the pitch, although clearly not at 100 per cent. He has the nod as our right winger.
On the left, Marcus Rashford is England’s only scorer behind Kane and Bellingham, but Anthony Gordon is unavailable on the bench. The Barcelona wide man has provided four assists and his defensive work will help O’Reilly in his fight against Messi.
All England XI vs Argentina matches on Express Sport: Pickford. James, Konsa, Stones, O’Reilly. Rice, Anderson. Saka, Bellingham, Gordon. Kane
