England
England are just two wins away from ending 60 years of hurt, can they win a second world title in New Jersey on Sunday Evening, standing in their way is Argentina & Spain.
They headed to this world cup with high hopes and despite not always being at their best they breezed through the group Stages with a 4-2 win over Croatia and a 2-0 win over Panama either side of a dour 0-0 draw with Ghana.
In the Round of 32 was a comfortable looking encounter with DR Congo but it didn’t play out that way, they trailed from the 7th Minutes and it took two Harry Kane goals to drag them out of the mire and into a last 16 tie with Mexico at The Azteca.
The put in their best performance of the tournament in that hostile atmosphere and came through 3-2 despite being reduced to 10 men for the final 30 mins. Norway pushed them hard in Miami but they managed to keep Erling Haaland quiet and ran out 2-1 winners .
Injuries & Team News
Thomas Tuchel’s only issue remains at right back with Reece James still struggling although he is back in training it would be a risk to start him so Ezri Konsa could keep his place in the back four along with John Stones, Marc Guehi and Nico O’Reilly.
Declan Rice has been struggling throughout this world cup firstly with Injury and laterly with Illness which forced him off against Norway but the Arsenal man is fully fit and gives Tuchel a huge boost.
Of the 26 Players in the squad only Jarrell Quansah (Suspension) and Jordan Henderon (Wrist) are unavailable.
Captain Harry Kane will make his 121st International Appearance, moving to second on the all-time list just 4 behind Peter Shilton’s record of 125.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 2-1 vs Norway |
W W D W W W
|
Predicted Line-Up
England possible starting lineup:
Pickford; Konsa, Stones, Guehi, O’Reilly; Rice, Anderson; Saka, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane
Argentina
The reigning World Champions have made hard work of making it to a second consecutive semi final but they are still alive and they will always have a chance with Lionel Messi in the side, the Inter Miami man is joint top scorer in the tournament with 8 goals along with France’s Kylian Mbappe.
Things looked rosy after they brushed aside Algeria 3-0 in the opening group game with Messi bagging a hat-trick. Austria were no match in the second game with Messi again at the double in a 2-0 win. Jordan were the first team to score past the South Americans but they were beaten 3-1.
They looked to have been given a simple task in the round of 32 when they took on debutants Cape Verde, however they were given an almighty scare, it took them a full 120 mins to get the job done 3-2. They were even more fortunate in the last 16 when Egypt went two nil up but fell apart in the last 12 minutes to lose 3-2.
In the Quarter Finals they once again faced 10 men as Breel Embolo was sent off for Switzerland following a VAR Review, Argentina came through 3-1 after Extra Time but there is no doubt they have had some fortune in this tournament to date.
Injuries & Team News
Facundo Medina has been named on the bench in the last couple of games due to an injury he sustained against Cabo Verde and so Nicolas Tagliafico is expected to keep his spot at left-back. Cristian Romero was replaced against Switzerland in extra time and may face a late fitness test after seemingly being exhausted.
There will be a temptation for Lionel Scaloni to start all three of Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez but that would involve him dropping one of Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister or Enzo Fernandez – and that feels unlikely.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 3-2 vs Egypt | W W W W W W |
Predicted Line-Up
Predicted XI (4-1-2-1-2):
E. Martinez; Molina, Romero, Li. Martinez, Tagliafico; Paredes; De Paul, Mac Allister; Fernandez; Messi, Alvarez
Betting Odds
| Team | Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| England Win | 2.80 | Grand Ivy |
| Draw | 3.00 | Dream Vegas |
| Spain Win | 3.10 | 247Bet |
Prediction
England 2-1 Argentina
England will be full of confidence heading into this semi final having over come two strong sides in the knockout rounds so far, Argentina have ridden their luck so many times in this tournament and tonight it could run out.