REUTERS

England Predicted Lineup vs Argentina

Originally posted on Essential Football | By J Johnson | Last updated Jul 14, 2026 11:03 AM ET

England are just a single game away from destiny. After beating Norway in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup, they now face Argentina in the semi-finals.

England haven’t been in a World Cup final since 1966, when they won international football’s top prize for the first and only time. Against the reigning champions, who have an in-form Lionel Messi amongst their ranks, they face a daunting challenge.

Who will turn out for the Three Lions in one of their biggest games in history? Here is our predicted England XI for England vs Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals.

We’ve picked out players from clubs such as Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea to feature in this lineup – can you guess who they are?

GK: Jordan Pickford

We don’t need to explain ourselves any further with this pick. Jordan Pickford is probably the best England goalkeeper since Gordon Banks – there is absolutely no way he’ll be dropped for such an important game.

RB: Reece James

Reece James recently spoke on his comeback from injury on the Lions Den – he has worked hard to get himself back to full fitness and should be ready to go when England take on Argentina.

CB: John Stones

According to a report from TNT Sports , Ezri Konsa suffered cramp during the Norway game – as a result, John Stones may start in his place as a precaution. In truth, Stones played well against Norway. He might make it in on merit regardless.

CB: Marc Guehi

Marc Guehi was an injury doubt before the Norway game, but nonetheless was able to see out the full 120 minutes. We don’t see why he won’t be able to do the same thing against Argentina.

LB: Nico O’Reilly

One of England’s brightest young talents, Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly has had the left-back slot on lockdown throughout the World Cup’s knockout rounds.

CM: Declan Rice

This one is up for debate. Declan Rice has struggled with injuries throughout the 2026 World Cup and was brought off at half-time against Norway, but we feel that Thomas Tuchel will take the risk in such an important game.

CM: Elliot Anderson

Elliot Anderson has been an excellent midfield partner to Rice throughout the World Cup. He’ll need to alert to the danger of Alexis Mac Allister and company, but we’ll back him to win the war in the middle of the park.

RW: Bukayo Saka

Noni Madueke started the game against Norway, but failed to have much of an impact. As such, if fully fit, Bukayo Saka will likely be given the nod.

AM: Jude Bellingham

Jude Bellingham’s inclusion in the XI is about as stonewall as it gets. He has been England’s best player at the World Cup and has been one of the best players at the tournament in general.

LW: Anthony Gordon

Anthony Gordon’s resurgence at the World Cup roared on against Norway, where he found Bellingham to score the equaliser – he is a clear choice for the left-wing position now.