England vs. Argentina projected lineups, starting 11 for World Cup semifinal game in Atlanta

England and Argentina write the latest chapter in their rich shared World Cup history when they meet in Wednesday’s eagerly awaited semifinal.

Read more Mr. Porky Bankster 10,000 Ways Slot Review

Lionel Scaloni’s reigning world champions are looking to become the first nation since Brazil in 1958 and 1962 to win back-to-back titles.

England are aiming to win a first major title since the 1966 World Cup and now know they need to set up a rematch of the Euro 2024 final, after Spain dispatched France in Tuesday’s semifinal.

The Three Lions won the previous World Cup encounter 1-0 in the 2002 group stage, four years on from a gripping Round of 16 meeting that Argentina won on penalties after a 2-2 draw and a David Beckham red card. It’s 40 years since Diego Maradona dumped England out in Mexico ’86, thanks to his Hand of God and the Goal of the Century.

2026 WORLD CUP HQ: Latest World Cup news | Full World Cup schedule | Buy World Cup tickets

England projected starting 11

(4-2-3-1, right to left): 1. J. Pickford (GK) — 24. R. James,  5. J. Stones, 6. M. Guehi, 25. D. Spence — 8. E. Anderson. 4. D. Rice — 17. M. Rogers, 10. J. Bellingham, 18. A. Gordon — 9. H. Kane

• Injured: J. Henderson (broken wrist), D. Rice (illness/nerve pain, doubt)
• Suspended: J. Quansah (2nd game of red-card suspension)

England’s main concern centres on Declan Rice. The Arsenal midfielder has suffered with fitness and illness issues throughout the tournament but trained with his teammates in the build-up to the semifinals.

It’s also unclear whether Bukayo Saka is fit for a starting role on the right, as he has largely played off the bench in this tournament. Noni Madueke was poor against Norway in the quarterfinal, but David Ornstein reports that Morgan Rogers could be given the nod if Saka isn’t ready to go from the jump.

Right-back has been a problem for Thomas Tuchel, after starting Ezri Konsa on the right-hand side of defence against Norway, but according to the BBC, Reece James is fit to begin the match, while Djed Spence will replace Nico O’Reilly on the left.

Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have scored all but one of England’s goals in North America are are level on six apiece in the Golden Boot race.

Read more Evolution Reaches £4.75m Settlement in UKGC Licence Review

LIVE: Follow England vs. Argentina updates from 2026 World Cup final

Argentina projected starting 11

(4-3-3, right to left): 23. E. Martinez (GK) — 26. N. Molina, 13. C. Romero, 6. Li. Martinez, 3. N. Tagliafico — 5. L. Paredes, 20. A. Mac Allister, 24. E. Fernandez — 10. L. Messi, 9. J. Alvarez, 17. G. Simeone.

• Injured: None
• Suspended: None

Cristian Romero and Leandro Paredes were each substituted during extra time of Argentina’s quarterfinal win over Switzerland but are each expected to be ready to start.

Lionel Scaloni has elected to tweak his previously unchanged XI, with Giuliano Simeone coming in to provide Argentina with some much-needed width. It comes at the expense of Rodrigo De Paul, who at 32 years old may need a rest.

Lionel Messi is on eight goals for the competition as he prepares to play against England for the first time.

England vs. Argentina predictions, betting odds

Both teams have world-class players capable of winning games on their own. Each side is also flawed and vulnerable, as they have shown throughout the knockout rounds. It’s probably why neither will beat Spain in the final, but buckle up for a thriller.

• Score prediction: England 3-2 Argentina (a.e.t)

England vs. Argentina World Cup rosters

Here are the names on England and Argentina’s World Cup rosters. All caps and stats are correct as of the date of their announcement in May 2026.

England World Cup roster

Head coach: Thomas Tuchel

Argentina World Cup squad

Head coach: Lionel Scaloni

Where to watch England vs. Argentina

• TV channel: FOX
• Live stream: fubo, Fox One, Fox Sports app/website

England vs. Argentina will be broadcast on FOX in the United States with streaming options available on its dedicated platforms.

The best place to catch the match is on streaming service fubo, which streams ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)

Read more The truth behind referee Ismail Elfath’s 100% record with Lionel Messi

fubo

SN

Stream live England vs. Argentina

Watch Live Sports and TV Without Cable

Start Watching

Here is how to watch the match in some of the other major territories: