England v Argentina: Which squad has the edge ahead of World Cup semi-final clash? | OneFootball

England and Argentina have reached the last four by different routes and with different strengths. Ahead of Wednesday’s meeting in Atlanta,

England against Argentina has never needed much introduction. A place in the World Cup final raises the stakes still further. Thomas Tuchel’s side have improved with each knockout round, while Lionel Scaloni’s holders have progressed with the calm assurance expected of a team that has been here before.

We’ve compared both sides in every department, including their potential impact from the bench, and both managers to see who holds the advantage…

Goalkeeper

Jordan Pickford has enjoyed another dependable tournament, but Emiliano Martinez’s knockout pedigree and consistency give Argentina a narrow edge.

Ratings: Pickford 8.0 | Martinez 8.5

Edge: Argentina.

Defence

Ravaged by right-back injuries and suspensions, England’s new back four has grown into the competition. Marc Guehi is arguably England’s most consistent defender alongside the returning authority of John Stones. Ezri Konsa has been reliable and Nico O’Reilly has settled quickly. Argentina’s unit remains the benchmark through the outstanding partnership of Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martínez.

England: Konsa 7.5, Stones 8.5, Guehi 8.5, O’Reilly 8.0

Argentina: Molina 7.5, Romero 9.0, Lisandro Martínez 8.5, Tagliafico 8.0

Edge: Argentina.

Midfield

England hold a slight advantage. Declan Rice provides dead ball quality and a phenomenal engine, Jude Bellingham has produced decisive moments throughout the tournament and Elliot Anderson has become an important part of Tuchel’s side.

Argentina’s trio, playing in front of the excellent defensive midfielder Leandro Paredes, of Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister remains technically outstanding but England shade this department on tournament form.

England: Rice 8, Anderson 8.5, Bellingham 9

Argentina: Paredes 8, De Paul 8, Fernandez 8, Mac Allister 8

Edge: England

Attack

Harry Kane continues to lead the line and his team, scoring crucial goals, while Anthony Gordon has been England’s most effective wide attacker. Bukayo Saka, when fit, offers another match-winning option from the right. Argentina still revolve around Lionel Messi, supported superbly by the excellent Julian Alvarez. Messi’s influence gives Argentina a marginal edge.

England: Saka 8, Kane 9, Gordon 8.5

Argentina: Alvarez 8.5, Messi 9.5

Edge: Argentina

Managers

Thomas Tuchel has improved England as the tournament has progressed but Lionel Scaloni’s experience of winning major tournaments just gives him the edge.

Tuchel 8.5 | Scaloni 9.0

Edge: Argentina

TOTAL: England 100 Argentina 100.5

The Hayters verdict

The ratings leave only half a point between the predicted starting line-ups. On paper, Argentina hold the narrowest advantage. On the pitch, the margin may be no more than one defining moment.

If it comes down to the substitutes, or finishers, then England’s greatest strength is depth. Defensive additions such as Dan Burn, Djed Spence and the versatile Reece James have proved crucial, while Marcus Rashford, Ollie Watkins, Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke and Morgan Rogers provide Tuchel with genuine alternatives capable of changing games. Argentina’s bench is dependable rather than explosive, although Lautaro Martínez remains an outstanding attacking option.

England’s midfield, athleticism and options from the bench give them genuine reasons to believe this is their year. Argentina retain small but significant advantages in goal, central defence and experience, while Lionel Messi remains the player most likely to decide a tight knockout match.