Can England beat Argentina? Experts predict World Cup semi-final | OneFootball

Three Lions renew rivalries with fearsome foe

Both teams made hard work of their quarter-finals, needing extra time to see of Norway and Switzerland, respectively.

But the first meeting between these two nations in 21 years promises to be chaotic, as past clashes attest to.

Ahead of the game in Atlanta, we asked the Standard Sport team to make their predictions...

Dom Smith

The good news is that Argentina are the nation England have beaten more than any other at World Cups.

The bad news is that England have never faced Lionel Messi before in any of his previous 205 caps and so have no idea whether they're good enough to stop the great man.

It looks very finely balanced and will be some spectacle. England keep finding a way; Argentina keep finding a way.

I'm going for a 2-2 draw, with penalty of drama, to be decided on penalties. England must believe they are good enough to win it. They are.

Prediction: England 2-2 Argentina, with England winning on penalties

England serenaded by fans after being Norway

Getty

Sam Tabuteau

Football reporter

Two imperfect teams, with smatterings of World Class talent capable of delivering under pressure, this semi-final will actually be a lot tighter than people expect.

Argentina are the reigning champions, with the tournament’s joint top goalscorer and the greatest player of all time, Lionel Messi.

But England have a force of nature in Jude Bellingham, who seems to be driven by an insatiable will to win that could just drag Thomas Tuchel's side all the way.

I expect this one to go the distance emotionally and physically. These two teams have history, and whatever happens, it will be a blockbuster occasion.

Prediction: England 2-2 Argentina, with England winning on penalties

Matt Verri

Football reporter

This has all the makings of a long night. It is easy to see both sides opting for caution with so much on the line.

Argentina have not been particularly impressive, especially in the knockout stages. Like England, they have relied on moments of magic from individuals.

England need Declan Rice to be fit. Argentina will keep everything narrow, going through Lionel Messi. Rice’s physicality in midfield will be key.

Thomas Tuchel’s side have looked exhausted at times and another huge effort is needed here. It is tough to split them and if it does go all the way, Argentina and Emi Martinez will fancy their chances.

Arthur Ferridge

World Cup correspondent

It was all getting a bit too romantic for England. After that gritty, swashbuckling win at the Estadio Azteca, it was almost fitting that fans were brought back down to Earth with a nervous, tough-to-watch defeat of Norway.

They got the job done, so things aren't all bad, but the task will get so much more difficult here. Argentina have been far from inspired in their performances this summer, but have a certain sense of destiny about their campaign which England might struggle to penetrate.

After close shaves and dramatic victories in each of their three knockout matches, who is to say Argentina won't repeat the trick here?

Lionel Messi

AFP via Getty Images

Oli Gent

Sports reporter

Can England defeat Argentina? Most definitely. Do they believe they can beat Lionel Messi and co.? That is another question.

While the defending champions boast the greatest ever, they are far from a one-man band. Naturally, how Thomas Tuchel sets his side up to deal with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will be key to how the Three Lions fare in this game. Will he plump for a man-marking job, and if so, who picks him up? Nico O’Reilly? Declan Rice?

Another factor is how England will deal with the Argentine antics, and whether they will fall into the traps that Lionel Scaloni’s men will certainly set for them.

They passed that test in the Azteca against Mexico, but the well-known Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez and Rodrigo de Paul will take the term ‘s***housery’ to a whole new level.

Ronan Sullivan

Sports reporter

Wednesday’s match at the air-conditioned Atlanta Stadium is a boon to England’s chances against Argentina. They struggled in the humidity of Miami against Norway, producing a “sloppy” performance.

The South American side have struggled through the knockouts. Extra time wins over Cape Verde and Switzerland sandwiched a late, controversial comeback against Egypt.

They have also been here before. Their 2022 win was built on indomitability and Lionel Messi. Neither of those things have changed.

But Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane are world-class and peaking at a perfect time. They will win it for England in extra-time and send the nation into raptures.