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England will want to to take revenge on previous World Cup heartbreaks when they face reigning champions Argentina in the World Cup 2026 semi-final in Atlanta on Wednesday night.
The Three Lions' previous two H2H defeats both came at the World Cup in 1986 and 1998, and should they reverse their fortunes, they will reach a first World Cup final since winning it in 1966.
Meanwhile, Argentina are aiming to become just the third nation to win back-to-back World Cups after Brazil and Italy, but they will have to get past England and then France or Spain in the final.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions, as well as our best fifa world cup betting offers.
England vs. Argentina key stats
- England have only lost three of 14 H2Hs (W6, D5).
- Argentina are currently the World Cup top scorers (17).
- Argentina have played the most extra-time games at World Cup finals (13).
England vs. Argentina preview: Three Lions to tame World Cup champions?
| England | vs | Argentina |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | FIFA Ranking | 1 |
| Harry Kane (120) | Most Caps | Lionel Messi (205) |
| Harry Kane (85) | Most Goals | Lionel Messi (125) |
| 932 | Total Caps | 1348 |
| 162 | Total Goals | 239 |
| 0 | Uncapped Players | 0 |
England needed extra-time to beat Norway 2-1 in the quarter-final, but showed fighting spirit again after going behind.
They also did so against DR Congo in the round of 32, while also battling altitude, a hostile home crowd and going down to 10 men to overcome Mexico in the round of 16.
Three of England's last five games have produced under 2.5 goals after normal time.
The Three Lions have now reached a fourth major tournament semi-final since 2018 as a result, and Thomas Tuchel is bidding to become the first foreign manager in 48 years to reach the World Cup final.
England will be without Jarell Quansah again as he serves the second of his two-match ban, while Declan Rice has returned to training and is expected to start again.
Leandro Paredes and Cristian Romero came off with injuries for Argentina in the quarter-final, but both should be fit to start.
The Seleccion also needed extra-time to eventually beat Switzerland 3-1, with Lionel Messi as influential as he has been throughout the tournament as he picked up an assist.
Argentina need just one more goal to equal their best return at a World Cup (18).
He now boasts eight goals and two assists in total, and is only one assist behind Kylian Mbappe in terms of the Golden Boot race with them both level on goals.
Lionel Scaloni's side have not had it all their own way in the knockouts, but having won all six matches at the World Cup so far, Argentina have shown again why they are such a tough nut to crack.
England vs. Argentina form guide & betting tips
| England | vs | Argentina |
|---|---|---|
DWWWW |
Form | WWWWW |
| 9 | Goals For | 14 |
| 4 | Goals Against | 6 |
WWW |
World Cup 2026 | WWW |
England vs. Argentina expert view – Romain Lantheaume, TopMercato
“This semi-final will pit two teams against each other that have struggled to assert control during the knockout stage.
Rather than a high-scoring spectacle, we can expect a tactical chess match, potentially a tense affair given the long-standing rivalry between the two sides.
The game could ultimately be decided by a moment of individual brilliance. In that department, England hold the edge with Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, both of whom have been decisive throughout this World Cup.
However, neither can match the quality of Lionel Messi, which is why I see The Albiceleste as slight favourites to reach the final.”
Whispers predicts: England 1-1 Argentina (England to qualify)
England are 7/4 (2.75) favourites to win in normal time and 5/6 (1.83) to qualify, but given Argentina's 100% record at the World Cup so far and the fact they are defending champions, we do not think it will be as smooth-sailing for the Three Lions.
A Draw at 2/1 (3.00) certainly appeals given both teams were held to draws after normal time in their respective quarter-finals.
BTTS – Yes at 19/20 (1.95) also offers some value with it coming through in every knockout match involving both teams so far.
In terms of potential goalscorers, it is hard to look past Jude Bellingham to score anytime at 10/3 (4.33) given his braces in the previous two rounds, and with six goals in total, he is making a late run for the Golden Boot.
Overall, our 1-1 prediction after 90 minutes can be backed at 11/2 (6.50), and should that happen, we are going for England to reach the final via extra-time and/or penalties.
> BTTS – Yes at 19/20 (1.95) | Likelihood: Probable
> Draw at 2/1 (3.00) | Likelihood: Possible
> Bellingham to score anytime at 10/3 (4.33) | Likelihood: Possible