England vs Argentina Combined Lineups

Picking between Jordan Pickford and Emi Martinez is about as tough as it gets. We feel Pickford is in slightly better form, so we’ve sided with the Everton man, but this one really could go either way.

RB: Reece James

Reece James has struggled with injuries at the World Cup thus far. Nevertheless, when fully fit, he is a clear winner in the battle between he and Nahuel Molina.

CB: Lisandro Martinez

Some might disagree with this pick, but Lisandro Martinez is a nightmare to play against for any centre-forward. A master of the dark arts, he sneaks into the team on account of Ezri Konsa’s shaky form.

CB: Marc Guehi

This one is pretty clear cut. Marc Guehi is one of the best defenders in the world – after Cristian Romero’s woeful season at Tottenham, he isn’t going to beat out the Manchester City star in a head-to-head comparison.

LB: Nico O’Reilly

Nico O’Reilly had a rough start to the World Cup, but has grown into the tournament with impressive quickness. Up against the aging Nicolás Tagliafico, this one is another no-brainer.

CM: Declan Rice

Another England player who has had issues with injuries at the World Cup, Declan Rice nonetheless remains one of the best central midfielders in world football. Excellent creatively and defensively, he is a shoo-in for this XI.

CM: Alexis Mac Allister

Another tight call. Elliot Anderson is a wonderful young midfielder, but Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister offers a little bit more with his dynamic movement off the ball.

RW: Lionel Messi

Is Lionel Messi still the best footballer in the world? Whatever the case, the 2026 World Cup has provided a brilliant argument for this case – eight goals and two assists in six games says it all.

AM: Jude Bellingham

What a tournament Jude Bellingham is having. He has been England’s saviour in the knockout rounds, scoring four goals in his last two games. Spectacular.

LW: Enzo Fernandez

Enzo Fernandez isn’t a natural winger, but we had to fit the Chelsea ace into the XI somehow. A fantastic creative outlet with an eye for goal, his underrated pliability on the pitch must also be respected.

ST: Harry Kane

Harry Kane might be showing signs of slowing down amidst a brutal World Cup schedule, but he remains one of the leading strikers in world football – six goals in six games doesn’t hurt his argument, either.