The five key battles that will define England v Argentina | OneFootball

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 World Cup home for England, while Lionel Messi and Argentina are aiming to win back-to-back World Cup titles.

Here are five key battles we think will decide the outcome of this huge World Cup semi-final clash…

Julian Alvarez v Marc Guehi – Argentina’s rising star against England’s Mr Dependable

It has not been the tournament many expected from Julian Alvarez, after a breakthrough World Cup 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 England 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 England 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.

Harry Kane v Cristian Romero – Two former team-mates face off

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 Argentina 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 Three Lions captain. This World Cup, 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.

Lionel Messi v Jude Bellingham – The battle of the superstars

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 World Cup 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 Argentina do will go through him. Facing England for the first time in his illustrious career, Messi will look at add the Three Lions 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 Harry Kane 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.

Enzo Fernandez v Declan Rice – Midfield engine room combat

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 Argentina towards another World Cup 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 England.

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 England if they are to defeat Argentina. 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.

Lionel Scaloni v Thomas Tuchel – Master tacticians go head to head

A world champion trying to secure his second consecutive crown, against a world-class manager looking to achieve his first World Cup trophy. Scaloni guided Argentina to their first World Cup 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 World Cup.

Meanwhile, after coming close in back-to-back European Championships and reaching a World Cup semi-final under Gareth Southgate, England turned to former Chelsea and 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 Three Lions, as they search for a first international trophy in 60 years.