The five key battles that will define England v Argentina

Open menu

OneFootball's home page

Settings

Hayters TV

14 July 2026

England face off against

Argentina

for the first time in 21 years with a spot in the 2026

World Cup

final at stake.

Thomas Tuchel is only two matches away from completing the task he was brought in to do, add a second star above the Three Lions’ badge and bring the

home for

England

, while

Lionel Messi

and

are aiming to win back-to-back

titles.

Here are five key battles we think will decide the outcome of this huge

semi-final clash…

It has not been the tournament many expected from Julian Alvarez, after a breakthrough

in Qatar four years ago, with talk over his future at Atletico Madrid also hanging over the 26-year-old. However, Alvarez showed his ability to change a game against Switzerland, and the

defence will need to be switched on at all times if they are to halt him. The forward notched his first goal of the tournament against Switzerland with a stunning strike, and will be looking to add to his tally against the

Three Lions

After starting on the bench for the first group stage match against Croatia, meanwhile,

Marc Guehi

has been a stalwart in the

defence for the remainder of the tournament, playing every minute. The 26-year-old Manchester City star has been the bedrock for Tuchel’s team in the centre of defence, thanks to his speed, strength and ability to win aerial duels. Guehi has formed a very solid partnership with Ezri Konsa this tournament, and his performance will be key if Alverez’s impact is to be limited.

England’s record goalscorer faces off against his former club team-mate in what is definitely going to be a physical affair between the pair.

Cristian Romero

recovered from a knee injury suffered late in the Premier League season to make the tournament in north America, and he has been a rock at the back for

so far. The 28-year-old has been a dependable figure when his side have come under significant pressure, and his goal against Egypt also set his side on the path to one of the World Cup’s great comeback victories.

One of the stars of tournament so far,

Harry Kane

has been England’s saviour on more than one occasion throughout his time as

captain. This

, Kane’s six goals have him in the race for the golden boot. Braces against Croatia and DR Congo were his most notable contributions, but his performances against Mexico and Panama in difficult circumstances show just how valuable the 32-year-old is. But Romero knows him well, and he will try to wear Kane down with his physicality and aggressiveness.

The two faces of their national teams. Messi and

Jude Bellingham

have both lit up this tournament, and are without a doubt the star men for their countries. Fresh from turning 39, Messi has been on a mission this

to retain the title for his nation, scoring eight times. He has become the tournament’s all-time record goalscorer in the process, and everything

do will go through him. Facing

for the first time in his illustrious career, Messi will look at add the

to his ever growing list of teams he has beaten.

On the other side, Bellingham is England’s golden boy. He has dragged his country through these knockout matches with inspired performances, especially against Mexico and Norway. The 23-year-old has propelled himself into the race for the golden boot, sitting alongside teammate

on six goals. Both Bellingham and Messi will likely need to produce big performances again if they want to advance, and who performs the better out of the two may well decide who goes through.

The golden boy winner at the 2022 edition of the tournament, Enzo Fernandez has brushed aside a disappointing season at

Chelsea

to yet again be one of the key individuals driving

towards another

title. The 25-year-old has been the South American side’s main driving force through the midfield. Fernandez scored the winner in Argentina’s dramatic 3-2 comeback win over Egypt in the round of 16, and his late runs into the opposition penalty area will be of concern for

The man tasked with stopping Fernandez from doing that should be

Declan Rice

. The

Arsenal

midfielder was substituted during England’s 2-1 extra-time win against Norway, having been ill in the build up to the game. The 27-year-old has contended with illness and persistent issues with his hamstring throughout the tournament, and has been battling through games, but his constant threat from set pieces has and will also be vital for

if they are to defeat

. Rice has shown incredible mental strength and resilience to overcome his adversities, now his country needs him to play through the pain barrier yet again.

A world champion trying to secure his second consecutive crown, against a world-class manager looking to achieve his first

trophy. Scaloni guided

to their first

title in 36 years back at the 2022 edition of the competition in Qatar, and has successful taken his country to back-to-back semi-final appearances. Much criticised in the early stages of his managerial spell with La Scaloneta, Scaloni has since led the South American side to a 36-match unbeaten run, one Copa America, a Finalissima and the

Meanwhile, after coming close in back-to-back European Championships and reaching a

semi-final under Gareth Southgate,

turned to former

Bayern Munich

tactician Tuchel to guide the them to a second star. The German is a world-class operator and a proven trophy winner in club football, guiding the Blues to the 2021 Champions League. Taking on one of the toughest jobs in international football, the 52-year-old looks to have instilled a win at all costs mentality into the

, as they search for a first international trophy in 60 years.

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

Football365

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

The Independent

Kane defends Bellingham: ‘It’s easy to try and create this division’

Bellingham rebukes Tuchel after brace fires England into World Cup semi-finals

OffsAIde

Harry Kane rubbishes claims of rift in England squad after Tuchel-Bellingham World Cup clash

Predicting which clubs the summer's biggest free agents will sign for

There are still some massive names who are set to become free agents in the summer, with some high-profile deals due to expire at the end of next month.As speculation...

Tottenham: Why James Maddison was not awarded a penalty against Leeds as Premier League issue statement

Spurs midfielder denied a big moment on his return from injuryThe Premier League has explained why Tottenham were not awarded a penalty in their draw against Leeds.As the clock ticked...

Bento's howler delays CR7's first title in Saudi Arabia 😱

An ugly mistake by Brazilian goalkeeper Bento prevented Al-Nassr from winning the Saudi League title this Tuesday.Cristiano Ronaldo’s team was leading 1-0 until the 53rd minute of the second half,...