World Cup semifinal preview: England and Argentina reignite old rivalry

At 15：00 Atlanta time on July 15th, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will stage its 2nd semi-final. The Three Lions and La Albiceleste will battle in Atlanta, competing for the final ticket to the championship game.

England vs. Argentina: Resuming a Grudge After 20 Years

Before the match, the Falklands War, dormant as a talking point for many years, was brought up again. This match is bound to continue a footballing history full of grudges.

In terms of historical encounters, England has an advantage over Argentina with 4 wins, 4 draws, and 2 losses in their last ten meetings. However... this history is too distant, because the two teams have not met in 20 years. Their last direct confrontation came in November 2005, when England won 3-2. Even Messi, the oldest player in either team, did not play in that match.

After Spain defeated France, Argentina is currently ranked 3rd in FIFA's real-time rankings, having alternated with France for the top spot over the past four years. England is currently ranked fourth, but there is a relatively clear points gap to the teams ahead.

In terms of market value, England's squad has a total value of 1.36 billion Euros, surpassing Argentina's 807.5 million Euros. In terms of personnel composition, only 5 English players played for non-Premier League teams last season. On the Argentine side, players are spread across major leagues, with 6 players playing in the Premier League. In terms of age, the English team is generally younger, with an average age of 27.4 years. The Argentine team has a higher average age of 29.2 years, with 9 players aged 30+.

Both teams had relatively smooth group stages, with their star players performing excellently and playing crucial roles. However, both teams faced close calls in the knockout rounds.

England fell behind against DR Congo before Harry Kane's brace changed the situation. Against Mexico, England was down to ten men after the 54th minute and fought hard until the final whistle. Against Norway, England won in extra time. The team expended a great deal of energy in these three matches.

After qualifying from the group stage, Argentina became locked in a battle with Cape Verde, with the winner only decided in extra time. In the Round of 16, Argentina again encountered a tactically clear and disciplined Egypt, eventually winning through Enzo's last-minute goal in injury time. In the quarter-finals, Argentina was leveled by Switzerland after taking the lead, and despite Switzerland being down to ten men, the teams battled into extra time, with Argentina finally winning 3-1.

Both teams have maintained relatively consistent formations since the start of the tournament.

England, led by Tuchel, primarily plays a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Kane up front, occasionally dropping back to find the wingers with diagonal passes to initiate attacks. Behind Kane is Bellingham, who has been dubbed a "hexagonal warrior" by the English media, capable of scoring, making late runs, and contributing defensively from deep, while being younger, more athletic, and increasingly adept at scoring compared to Kane.

On the left, Gordon is currently performing better, and his ability to deliver the final pass and cover extensive ground makes him a better fit for Kane. Rashford's performances when starting have been average, but he can still be an impactful substitute capable of breaking down the opponent's defense. On the right, two Arsenal players, Madueke and Saka, will rotate. Although the former's conversion rate is not high, he can wear down opponents, while Saka, when in form, can pose a deadly threat on the right wing.

The double-pivot partnership depends on Rice's physical condition. If Rice recovers, he and Anderson are a fixed pairing. The former will take on more attacking duties, while the latter will focus more on interceptions and challenges. Rice's absence would be a huge loss for England's midfield. Mainoo has not played in this tournament so far, and Henderson is injured. James playing out of position could bring more diagonal long passes, but clearly, right-back suits him better.

The two center-backs are usually Guehi partnering with Konsa or Stones, with Dan Burn available if aerial defense is needed. On the flanks, James is at right-back, and Konsa can also shift wide. The left side is given to O'Reilly. Spence can play at both left-back and right-back, but he is more effective on the left and brought significant impact when he played.

Argentina primarily uses a diamond 4-4-2 formation. Up front, Alvarez or Lautaro will partner Messi. The movement and athleticism of "Little Spider" and Lautaro will create space and draw defenders for Messi, while also allowing them to receive Messi's passes and cause damage when defenders rush toward him. Argentina is one of the few teams in this tournament capable of achieving central penetration through skill. Messi, Alvarez, and Lautaro can also combine with late-running players for one-twos to create threats. The 188cm tall Lopez also presents a new option for Argentina as a target man up front, disrupting the opponent's defensive setup in the final moments.

Paredes has gradually secured the holding midfield position among the starting four midfielders. Ahead of him are Mac Allister, Enzo, and De Paul. Argentina's central numbers and passing options are guaranteed, but one concern is the attacking power this midfield offers on the wings. This could be dangerous when facing a physically strong and fast English team. Under constant pressure, Paredes in the single holding midfield position might also be directly challenged.

To strengthen the wing attack, Nicolás González can join the attack from defense, attempting to push back the opponent's defense. Giuliano Simeone on the right can also improve the team's athleticism and defensive solidity, but he has been rarely used in this tournament.

The center-back pairing is already very clear: Romero alongside Lisandro Martínez, one 185cm, the other 175cm. In terms of mobility and aggressive tackling, Argentina does not seem to need to worry. Aerial defense and set pieces remain key areas for Argentina to be mindful of. Senesi and Otamendi can provide stability at the back. At full-back, Tagliafico is on the left and Molina on the right, with Medina and Montiel ready as substitutes.

This match will largely be an evenly contested affair with back-and-forth attacks. Both sides will have periods of intense pressing and times when they are forced to concede possession. Both teams will have plenty of attacking opportunities; it will come down to who has the higher conversion rate.

A major concern is the issue of stamina after reaching the 7th game. Neither team's key players — 39-year-old Messi and 32-year-old Kane — have had sufficient rest, and neither team had a chance to rest after taking a significant lead in the knockout rounds. In this crucial match, the key players might not be able to perform at their peak at all times, but they will need to give their all in critical moments to drive their team's attack.

We await with anticipation to see who, in this first England-Argentina clash in over 20 years, will become a legendary hero etched in history, and who will be the tragic hero with tears staining their jersey.