England vs Argentina: Mouthwatering Lionel Messi, Jude Bellingham and Elliot Anderson odds hard to ignore for World Cup semi-final

England face Argentina in the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup on Wednesday, with a place in the final at Atlanta Stadium awaiting the winner.

Thomas Tuchel's side have not had it easy on their run to the last four, needing a Harry Kane rescue act against DR Congo before edging Mexico 3-2 with 10 men in the Round of 16.

Jude Bellingham's brace then inspired England to a comeback victory over Norway in the quarter-finals to book the Three Lions' place in the last four.

Argentina, meanwhile, have required extra time in two of their last three knockout matches, most recently overcoming Switzerland 3-1 in the quarter-finals.

Lionel Scaloni's side have scored 17 goals at this World Cup — the most of any nation — and are just one short of equalling Argentina's highest-ever goals tally at a single tournament.

There is little to separate these two heavyweights on paper, and with two of the competition's standout performers in Lionel Messi and Bellingham taking centre stage, the player markets could offer the best value.

Lionel Messi's shot volume makes him impossible to ignore

Messi has been the standout individual performer of the tournament, and although he failed to score for the first time at the 2026 World Cup against Switzerland, the 39-year-old still made his mark by setting up Alexis Mac Allister's opening goal.

What has been equally remarkable is the sheer volume of attempts the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner continues to produce.

Messi has registered four or more shots in each of his five starts at this World Cup, and with Argentina once again expected to rely heavily on him to unlock England's defence, that trend looks likely to continue.

As a result, Messi Over 3.5 Shots at 9/10 (1.90) stands out as one of the strongest selections ahead of Wednesday's semi-final.

There is arguably even greater value one market deeper. Messi has also recorded four or more shots on target in four of his five starts at the tournament, making Messi 3+ Shots on Target at 11/4 (3.75) an attractive option given his consistency in front of goal.

Jude Bellingham can continue his golden World Cup

Bellingham has been England's difference-maker throughout the knockout rounds, scoring braces against both Mexico and Norway to take his tally to six goals, level with Harry Kane as the Three Lions' joint-leading scorer.

Given his outstanding form and England's increasing reliance on him in the final third, Bellingham Anytime Goalscorer at 13/5 (3.60) looks another excellent option.

Bellingham to Score or Assist is available at 8/5 (2.60) and also represents strong value. The Real Madrid midfielder already has an assist to complement his six goals, and his influence on England's attacking play means he is rarely far away from decisive moments.

Argentina's midfield battle could suit Elliot Anderson

Argentina have largely operated without natural wide players throughout the tournament, with much of their attacking play funnelled through central areas as Messi drops into pockets of space to dictate possession.

That places significant defensive responsibility on England's midfield, with the central battle likely to prove decisive.

Elliot Anderson appears well suited to that task. The recently signed Manchester City midfielder has made seven tackles across England's last two matches, winning every one of them.

With Argentina expected to attack predominantly through the middle, Anderson 3+ Tackles at evens (2.00) looks a particularly appealing selection.