Argentina consider dropping key World Cup star for England match with possible XI leaked

Scaloni considering a major change to his team (Picture: FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni is strongly considering replacing one of his key men in his starting XI to take on

England

in their

World Cup

semi-final.

La Albiceleste take on the Three Lions in Atlanta on Wednesday night

in one of international football’s most intense rivalries with the winners to take on France or Spain in the final on Sunday.

Rodrigo de Paul has started all but one of his country’s matches so far this summer, sitting out of the final group match against Jordan.

The Inter Miami midfielder has earned the title of

Lionel Messi

’s bodyguard, picking up a reputation for being the legendary no10’s protector on the pitch when the two play together.

But reports in Argentina claim Scaloni is giving strong consideration to naming the midfielder on the bench on Wednesday night.

TYC Sports

and

ESPN Argentina

are among the outlets reporting De Paul could drop to the bench having been replaced in his side’s last two matches, late on against Switzerland and just after the hour mark against Egypt.

The 32-year-old has been a key player throughout Scaloni’s time in charge, taking up a role on the right of midfield.

De Paul is known as ‘Messi’s bodyguard’ (Picture: Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)

Reports in Argentina claim Nico Gonzalez or Giuliano Simeone are the two likely candidates to come in.

Gonzalez has performed well off the bench during the World Cup and has often been the head coach’s first change in games.

Simeone could offer a more direct replacement on the right-hand side of the pitch. However, the

Atletico Madrid

star’s only starting appearance in the World Cup was in that dead rubber game at the end of the group stages against Jordan.

De Paul has been a key player under Scaloni (Picture: Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

TYC Sports report the only other question mark over the side is whether Nahuel Molina starts at right-back over Gonzalo Montiel.

The outlet also names a ‘probable starting XI’ to face England which includes

Julian Alvarez

starting ahead of Lautaro Martinez.

De Paul spoke to the media on Monday but did not comment on reports that his place in the side could be in jeopardy.

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