England and Argentina are set to renew one of international football’s fiercest rivalries with a place in the World Cup 2026 final on the line. For England, it is being framed as their biggest World Cup occasion since lifting the trophy in 1966. For Argentina, it is a chance to defend their crown and deepen a historic psychological edge.

Thomas Tuchel’s England arrive in the semifinal battle-hardened. They survived a chaotic round of 16 tie against Mexico at the Azteca, clinging to a 3-2 win after defender Jarell Quansah was sent off. In the quarterfinal, they were again forced to come from behind, with Jude Bellingham scoring twice, including a dramatic extra-time winner against Norway.

Tuchel’s selection picture has cleared at just the right time. Apart from the already ruled-out Jordan Henderson, the full squad trained in Kansas before flying to the semifinal venue. Reece James’ return from injury, after a 20-minute cameo against Norway, is pivotal. His presence at right back is expected to push Ezri Konsa back into central defence alongside Marc Guéhi, with John Stones likely to miss out. Quansah remains suspended and unavailable.

Declan Rice, who has been battling illness, is also tipped to start after managing 45 minutes in the quarterfinal. Tuchel admitted the midfielder had spent much of the previous three days in bed, but his influence is considered too important to risk leaving out.

In midfield, Elliot Anderson has impressed throughout the tournament and is set to keep his place, with Bellingham operating ahead of him as the central attacking force. On the flanks, Anthony Gordon has effectively nailed down the left-wing role, while Bukayo Saka is expected to start on the right after a lively display off the bench against Norway, edging out Noni Madueke.

Captain Harry Kane remains the undisputed focal point up front, leading a projected England XI in a 4-2-3-1 shape: Jordan Pickford; Reece James, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guéhi, Nico O’Reilly; Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson; Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon; Harry Kane.

Argentina, under Lionel Scaloni, are set to line up in a 4-1-2-1-2 diamond, built around Lionel Messi’s freedom between the lines. Their predicted XI: Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Tagliafico; Leandro Paredes; Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández; Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez.

With England’s emerging generation facing the reigning champions and a still-decisive Messi, this semifinal promises to add another combustible chapter to a rivalry defined by drama, controversy and unforgettable moments.