England vs Argentina – World Cup Combined XI

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15 July 2026

England and

Argentina

meet in the semi-finals of the 2026

World Cup

this evening, perhaps the biggest-ever fixture in what has been a classic rivalry.

Ahead of tonight’s game we’ve selected our

England

Combined XI.

A battle between two goalkeepers who often exceed expectations when with their countries. Jordan Pickford has rarely let

down, despite an off-night against Norway, while Emi Martinez’s bulk of work is hugely impressive for the world champions. Four international trophies and two Yashin awards swing this in the Argentine’s favour.

Reece James’ return from a hamstring issue is a massive boost for

, with the

Chelsea

captain one of the world’s best when healthy. The problem is he hasn’t been healthy consistently enough.

Argentina have a long history of combative centre-backs, and Romero is part of that lineage. Few encapsulate the relentless will-to-win quite like the

Spurs

captain, who’s more than handy with the ball at his feet too.

The

Manchester United

man has had a strong tournament for

, scoring a goal and providing an assist in the win over Cape Verde. After a mixed showing against Egypt, he was outstanding as

overcame Switzerland in the last eight.

–

Tuesday, 14 July 2026

The Premier League Young Player of the Season has nailed down England’s left-back role for this tournament, offering a blend of technical quality and physical presence. His best role is perhaps further forward, but he now has a coming-of-age occasion against

Lionel Messi

and the world champions.

Jude Bellingham and

Harry Kane

aside,

Elliot Anderson

has arguably been England’s standout performer so far. The £116m man has done everything asked of him by Thomas Tuchel, showcasing why Manchester City were prepared to break the bank this summer.

There’s a sense that

Declan Rice

is running off fumes at this stage, but

will hope that the man nicknamed ‘horse’ at

Arsenal

has two more big races in him. At his best, Rice is a top-tier box-to-box presence.

Those that doubted

Jude Bellingham

pre-tournament are looking foolish now. A big-game player and massively impactful, he’s reemphasised his status as one of the world’s best in North America.

Saturday, 11 July 2026

Even at 39,

might still be the world’s best player. Watching him this summer, it’s hard to disagree.

Mesmeric again on the big stage, his eight goals have carried

within a win of a second straight

final. A second success in this tournament would make his argument as the GOAT undisputed – if it wasn’t already.

Argentina will be grateful to have Alvarez back and firing, with his sensational goal against Switzerland a reminder that there’s a threat beyond Messi.

Harry Kane will hope to conclude the second-most prolific campaign of the 21st century with

success this summer.

He’s surged past 70 goals for club and country in 2025/26 to underline his Ballon d’Or credentials.

Read –

World Cup Moments – Beckham red begins road to redemption

See more –

Manchester City push hard for £86m-rated Ayyoub Bouaddi

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Tuchel-Bellingham ‘clash’ derails England as Argentina make ‘urgent request’ and Spidercam truth revealed

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From Tuchel’s outcast to England’s kingpin, how Jude Bellingham silenced his critics at the World Cup

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