Why is Rodrigo de Paul benched for Argentina vs England FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal?
(Courtesy : Getty)
Rodrigo de Paul has played five games for Argentina in this FIFA World Cup.
Argentina are one win away from reaching their second consecutive final in the FIFA World Cup. The defeating champions will face Thomas Tuchel’s England, who defeated Norway 2-1 in the last round after extra time, in the semi-final clash.
La Albiceleste, who also played for 120 minutes in their last game, would aim to win the game in regular time and advance to the summit clash with enough recovery time in their hands.
With that intent, Lionel Scaloni has named his starting XI for the crucial fixture at the Atlanta Stadium in Georgia. However, Rodrigo de Paul is not in the starting line-up, leaving a few fans wondering about the reason for the 32-year-old midfielder’s absence.
Why is Rodrigo de Paul not in the starting XI against England?
Rodrigo de Paul has been named in Argentina’s starting line-up for the FIFA World Cup 2026 clash against England due to tactical reasons. Lionel Scaloni has decided to start Giuliano Simeone over the Inter Miami midfielder in the crucial fixture, as he wants to withstand the Three Lions’ attacking pressure.
Simeone primarily plays as a winger or wide midfielder, unlike De Paul, who is a central midfielder but has also played wide, thanks to his ability to play as a box-to-box player.
The Atletico Madrid winger is known for his high work rate and speed, which would help La Albiceleste create chances from the wings while clearing issues for the English defenders.
Giuliano Simeone has played only one game in the ongoing FIFA World Cup. He was named in the starting lineup during Argentina’s 3-1 win over Jordan, where he featured as a right winger for 71 minutes.
Simeone has played 14 games for La Albiceleste across all competitions and has scored two goals. As he starts against England in the semi-final, he would aim to score his maiden FIFA World Cup goal in front of one of the best teams in the world.
Will De Paul play tonight?
Yes, but he might come off the bench.
Who has been selected ahead of Rodrigo de Paul?
Giuliano Simeone
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