Both England and Argentina have been doing just about enough in each World Cup knockout round, but one of these great footballing nations must fall on Wednesday.
The Three Lions have had to work hard to get to this stage. And while Thomas Tuchel was not impressed by his team’s most recent performance, he was pleased by the mentality and fighting spirit of his players.
For Argentina, it is a similar story. Each round has provided its own unique challenge, and extra time has been required in two of their three knockout matches. Interestingly, the one time it wasn’t was perhaps the biggest scare they have suffered so far – with a late comeback required against Egypt.
When the two teams meet tomorrow, it is undoubtedly going to be a close game. The question is, which country’s fans will be celebrating when the referee blows his full-time whistle?
The countries haven’t met in more than 20 years, but no one has forgotten about the Hand of God moment in 1986. On top of this, the Falklands War comes to mind whenever England and Argentina are mentioned in the same sentence, highlighting just how intense their feelings are towards each other.
It should be an absolute cracker!
Match details
Wednesday, July 15 @ 3pm ET / noon PTMercedes-Benz Atlanta Stadium, Georgia
Watch on FOX, Telemundo and fuboTV
A game of key moments
This is a match which is unlikely to be decided by which team obtains more possession of the ball. Instead, it will be about individuals who can deliver something special when it matters the most.
After all, this has been a constant for England, with their very best players bailing them out repeatedly – as shown by their list of scorers. Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have six goals each, while Marcus Rashford is the only other member of Thomas Tuchel’s squad to find the net.
Argentina have had a bit more variation, with eight of their players landing on the scoresheet at some point during the tournament. However, Lionel Messi has been crucial, just as he was in Qatar, bagging eight goals in total.
Ultimately, this isn’t necessarily a fixture which is going to be won or lost based on which team plays better. England could dominate and still get knocked out. On the other hand, Argentina could put them on the backfoot, but suffer one or two defensive switch-offs which could prove costly.
Goals galore
Anyone predicting a 0-0 draw would have to be insane, considering the fact that both England and Argentina are very good attacking sides. Additionally, both have displayed problems when it comes to remaining firm at the back.
England may have kept two clean sheets in the group stage, but this has not been achieved since the knockout stages began. Still, their record in this area has been superior to Argentina’s, whose defending has also been on a downward spiral following a couple of decent early matches.
Both Cape Verde and Egypt experienced their fair share of joy in the South American nation’s half of the pitch, and Switzerland were showing promise until Breel Embolo received a red card. Therefore, this should be a game where goals are scored at both ends of the pitch.
Expected lineup: England
There is one change England clearly need to make, and that is removing Noni Madueke from their starting lineup. The 24-year-old has failed to make an impact at the World Cup, and he is some way behind Bukayo Saka when it comes to his technical ability.
In addition to this, there is a chance Tuchel will look to include Djed Spence in the midweek clash, after his brilliant display off the bench against Norway. If the Tottenham full-back does start, he is likely to play on the left flank rather than the right, even if this means Ezri Konsa has to play out wide again.
Pickford;
Konsa, Stones, Guéhi, Spence;
Rice, Anderson;
Saka, Bellingham, Gordon;
Kane
Expected Argentina lineup
While there have been alterations in England’s team, Argentina have remained unchanged over their past two matches. Lautaro Martínez will be hoping for a start after his goal against Switzerland, but Julian Álvarez isn’t going to be dropped. Not after that screamer of a goal in stoppage time.
It will not be surprising if Argentina stick with a 4-3-1-2 formation, as this provides them with a strong midfield, as well as a strike partnership to ask questions of John Stones and the England backline.
E. Martinez;
Molina, Romero, L. Martínez, Tagliafico;
Parades, De Paul, Mac Allister;
Fernández;
Messi, Álvarez
Score prediction
England have made some fast starts during the tournament so far, but Argentina took the lead in their most recent match, and they could do so again on Wednesday. Surely it is going to be Messi who opens the scoring, as he looks to secure the golden boot.
The Three Lions will respond before the half is over, and unsurprisingly, it will be Bellingham who finds the net. There will be less excitement in the second half, meaning extra time will be required.
For the first time during the match, England will take the lead thanks to their captain Harry Kane. However, Cristian Romero will capitalize on a set piece to make it 2-2. The match will go to penalties, and Argentina will win to advance to the final.
Do you agree? Let us know by tagging @hooligan_soc on X, along with your score prediction.
