Atlanta Stadium, USA | 2026 World Cup semi-final | Wednesday, July 15 | 8pm BST
Ahead of the next renewal of one of international football’s fiercest rivalries, BetVictor News delivers the in-depth England vs Argentina preview – including the score prediction, overall H2H record, team news, latest odds, the best betting angles and more.
- England vs Argentina prediction: Three Lions roar into the final
- Bet on the 2026 World Cup with BetVictor
England Vs Argentina Preview
A fixture that has laid dormant for 21 years, England and Argentina will once again trade blows in what is arguably the biggest match the two nemesis’ have ever contested. The Three Lions have shown a lot of heart and grit to make the last four despite not being at their fluid best.
Superstar midfielder Jude Bellingham scored twice to ensure a narrow 2-1 extra-time win against Norway in the quarter-final. And ahead of Wednesday’s crunch showdown, the England vs Argentina odds just about lean in the favour of Thomas Tuchel’s side.
However, the reigning champions have something of a trump card in the form of 39-year-old Lionel Messi. The Barcelona legend didn’t get on the scoresheet against Switzerland on Sunday but he has well and truly blessed the Argentine faithful with his mesmerising performance in North America.
Whatever happens in Atalanta, it promises to be a fiery, tense and euphoric World Cup semi-final. The England vs Argentina H2H record favours Tuchel’s charges but they’ll need to put in a herculean performance to thwart the South Americans and extend their winning tally. Especially as the level of officiating and VAR has worked very favourably towards Lionel Scaloni’s troops.
England Vs Argentina H2H Record
England and Argentina have met 15 times before with the Three Lions coming out on top in overall meetings as well as World Cup clashes. Something of which is worth bearing in mind when it comes to World Cup betting on BetVictor’s England vs Argentina betting markets.
The 1966 winners have won six games overall compared to La Albiceleste’s four victories. On the global stage, the English have a 3-2 lead. The last meeting between the two rivals occurred in 2005 when a late Michael Owen double helped secure a 3-2 friendly win in Geneva.
England vs Argentina H2H record:
- 12/05/2005 – Argentina 2-3 England (Friendly)
- 07/06/2002 – England 1-0 Argentina (World Cup)
- 23/02/2000 – England 0-0 Argentina (Friendly)
- 30/06/1998 – Argentina* 2-2 England (World Cup) * won 4-3 on pens
- 25/05/1991 – England 2-2 Argentina (Challenge Cup)
- 22/06/1986 – Argentina 2-1 England (World Cup)
- 13/05/1980 – England 3-1 Argentina (Friendly)
- 12/06/1977 – Argentina 1-1 England (Friendly)
- 22/05/1974 – England 2-2 Argentina (Friendly)
- 23/07/1966 – England 1-0 Argentina (World Cup)
- 06/06/1964 – Argentina 1-0 England (Taca das Nacoes)
- 02/06/1962 – England 3-1 Argentina (World Cup)
- 17/05/1953 – Argentina 0-0 England (Friendly)
- 14/05/1953 – Argentina 3-1 England (Friendly)
- 09/05/1951 – England 2-1 Argentina (Friendly)
England Vs Argentina Team News
A problem that has plagued England for the majority of the tournament is who will start as right-back in Reece James’ absence. The Chelsea man is considered match fit but Thomas Tuchel will either opt for Djed Spence or Ezri Konsa. Elsewhere, Declan Rice should be a full strength after suffering with illness.
As for Argentina, Lionel Scaloni will need to decide between Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez as Lionel Messi’s partner. Both scored in the 3-1 extra-time win versus Switzerland. Premier League stars Emi Martinez, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez and Alexis Mac Allister are all primed to start.
England’s World Cup results:
- Quarter-final – England 2-1 Norway (AET)
- Last 16 – Mexico 2-3 England
- Last 32 – England 2-1 DR Congo
- Group stages – Panama 0-2 England
- Group stages – England 0-0 Ghana
- Group stages – England 4-2 Croatia
Argentina’s World Cup results:
- Quarter-final – Argentina 3-1 Switzerland (AET)
- Last 16 – Argentina 3-2 Egypt
- Last 32 – Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde (AET)
- Group stages – Jordan 1-3 Argentina
- Group stages – Argentina 2-0 Austria
- Group stages – Argentina 3-0 Algeria
England Vs Argentina Predicted Lineups
England predicted lineup:
Pickford; Konsa, Stones, Guehi, O’Reilly; Rice, Anderson; Saka, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane
Argentina predicted lineup:
E. Martinez; Molina, Romero, Li. Martinez, Tagliafico; Paredes; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister; Messi, Alvarez
England Vs Argentina TV Channel, Live Streaming And Radio
England vs Argentina is available to watch live in the UK on BBC One (kick-off 8pm). Streaming is also available on BBC iPlayer and on the BBC Sport website. Followers can also tune in via BBC Radio 5 Live.
*A valid TV license is required to watch live in the UK
England Vs Argentina Betting Angles
Key Match Stats
- This will be the sixth World Cup finals clash between England and Argentina
- England World Cup stats – The Three Lions have lost all three major tournament semi-finals when facing a side ranked in the top four by FIFA.
- Argentina World Cup stats – Nobody has netted more 2026 World Cup goals than La Albiceleste (17).
Top Betting Angles for England vs Argentina
Over 2.5 goals: Six of Argentina’s last seven have produced over 2.5 goals. Online at 5/4.
BTTS (Yes): With Bellingham, Messi and Kane on the pitch, both defences are likely to be breached. Available at 17/20.
Anytime goalscorers: Lionel Messi (13/10), Harry Kane (31/20), Julian Alvarez (13/5) and Jude Bellingham (13/5) all offer potential.
England Vs Argentina Prediction
Defensively, England have been questionable and at times, sussed out. However, the sheer grit and determination shown throughout the tournament to peg back from difficult and losing positions has been Thomas Tuchel’s saving grace.
Granted, Argentina have won 12 consecutive World Cup fixtures and continue to score for fun but we feel that the Three Lions can get the better of their rivals in a tight and tense affair in Atalanta.
Prediction: England 2-1 Argentina
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Any betting decisions should be made responsibly and there are no guarantees when it comes to match outcomes. All odds correct as of 3pm on July 13, 2026 and are subject to change.
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