England vs Argentina combined XI for FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final clash ft. Harry Kane, Lionel Messi

The England vs Argentina clash will take place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, tonight.

England will take on Argentina in the second FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final fixture on July 15, with the winner set to face Spain in the final on Sunday night.

Tonight’s match is a battle between two teams of contrasting objectives: the Three Lions are trying to reach the final for the first time since 1966, while La Albiceleste are looking to become the third team to successfully defend their World Cup title.

Both sides have had to struggle to reach the last four. England needed back-to-back braces from Jude Bellingham to overcome Mexico (3-2) and Norway (2-1) in the last two matches to book their place in the semi-finals.

Argentina, meanwhile, uncharacteristically struggled to beat Cape Verde and Egypt by identical 3-2 scorelines. They had to dig deep against Switzerland in the quarter-finals, needing extra time to beat their 10-man opponents.

A rivalry renewed 🇦🇷⚔️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 England and Argentina meet again at the World Cup for the first time since 2002 🤯#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/6ALs3UUfKF

— Khel Now World Football (@KhelNowWF) July 15, 2026

While they have often lacked team cohesion, the two teams have been powered by some exceptional performances by their talismanic players. Lionel Messi currently leads the Golden Boot race, while Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane have been superb in front of goal.

Also Read: England vs Argentina – Five key battles to watch out for

England vs Argentina Combined XI

Thoughts on the England vs Argentina combined XI

Note: The players have been chosen based on their performances in the ongoing World Cup, rather than their overall quality.

The goalkeeping position is possibly the hardest one to select, as both sides boast exceptional custodians. Jordan Pickford has certainly been the busier of the two goalkeepers, making more saves and coming up clutch against Mexico and Norway. However, Emiliano Martinez has also been superb for La Albiceleste, and his sustained excellence sees him get the nod.

Djed Spence has been vital for the Three Lions, putting in decent performances at either end of defence. However, Nahuel Molina has played more consistently at right-back and gets the nod. Nico O’Reilly has been one of the best left-backs in Europe for Manchester City and has carried that form to the World Cup. As a result, he slots in at left-back.

If England’s campaign has had one major weakness, it has been their defence, which has looked extremely shaky throughout the tournament. Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez have been much better, popping up with crucial goals and starts in central defence.

Elliot Anderson has been superb in controlling the midfield for the Three Lions, overshadowing Declan Rice. The new Manchester City man starts in the combined XI alongside Enzo Fernandez. The Chelsea player started the tournament in a deeper role and has actually thrived once shifted to the wide areas.

Jude Bellingham has been one of the biggest contenders for the Golden Ball. He is England’s top scorer in the tournament with six goals and also has an assist to his name. He comfortably beats Rodrigo De Paul to start in this combined XI.

Anthony Gordon starts as the left winger. The former Newcastle United attacker has been crucial for his nation, becoming the first player to record two or more assists in a World Cup knockout match.

Harry Kane is the Three Lions’ all-time top scorer and starts as the centre-forward. Lionel Messi, meanwhile, starts on the right wing. No explanation needed for that, surely.

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