England are into just their fourth World Cup semi-final, where they will face old foe Argentina. Both teams made hard work of their quarter-finals, needing extra time to see off Norway and Switzerland, respectively. The first meeting between these two nations in 21 years promises to be chaotic, as past clashes attest to.
Dom Smith's Prediction
Dom Smith, England correspondent, notes that Argentina are the nation England have beaten more than any other at World Cups. However, England have never faced Lionel Messi before in any of his previous 205 caps and so have no idea whether they are good enough to stop the great man. Smith says it looks very finely balanced and will be some spectacle. He adds: “England keep finding a way; Argentina keep finding a way. I'm going for a 2-2 draw, with penalty drama, to be decided on penalties. England must believe they are good enough to win it. They are.” Prediction: England 2-2 Argentina, with England winning on penalties.
Sam Tabuteau's Prediction
Sam Tabuteau, football reporter, describes two imperfect teams with smatterings of world-class talent capable of delivering under pressure. He believes this semi-final will be a lot tighter than people expect. Argentina are the reigning champions, with the tournament’s joint top goalscorer and the greatest player of all time, Lionel Messi. But England have a force of nature in Jude Bellingham, who seems driven by an insatiable will to win that could drag Thomas Tuchel's side all the way. Tabuteau expects this one to go the distance emotionally and physically, saying: “These two teams have history, and whatever happens, it will be a blockbuster occasion.” Prediction: England 2-2 Argentina, with England winning on penalties.
Matt Verri's Prediction
Matt Verri, football reporter, says this has all the makings of a long night. He sees both sides opting for caution with so much on the line. Argentina have not been particularly impressive, especially in the knockout stages. Like England, they have relied on moments of magic from individuals. Verri stresses that England need Declan Rice to be fit, as Argentina will keep everything narrow through Lionel Messi, and Rice’s physicality in midfield will be key. He notes that Thomas Tuchel’s side have looked exhausted at times and another huge effort is needed. Verri finds it tough to split them, adding: “If it does go all the way, Argentina and Emi Martinez will fancy their chances.” Prediction: England 1-1 Argentina, with Argentina winning on penalties.
Arthur Ferridge's Prediction
Arthur Ferridge, World Cup correspondent, reflects that it was all getting a bit too romantic for England after their gritty win at the Estadio Azteca, but fans were brought back down to Earth with a nervous, tough-to-watch defeat of Norway. He says England got the job done, but the task gets much more difficult here. Argentina have been far from inspired in their performances this summer but have a certain sense of destiny about their campaign which England might struggle to penetrate. Ferridge predicts: “After close shaves and dramatic victories in each of their three knockout matches, who is to say Argentina won't repeat the trick here?” Prediction: England 1-2 Argentina, decided by a last-gasp goal.
Oli Gent's Prediction
Oli Gent, sports reporter, asks: “Can England defeat Argentina? Most definitely. Do they believe they can beat Lionel Messi and co.? That is another question.” While the defending champions boast the greatest ever, they are far from a one-man band. How Thomas Tuchel sets his side up to deal with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will be key. Gent wonders if Tuchel will plump for a man-marking job and who picks up Messi — Nico O’Reilly or Declan Rice. Another factor is how England will deal with Argentine antics, noting that Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, and Rodrigo de Paul will take s***housery to a new level. Prediction: England 2-2 Argentina, with Argentina winning on penalties.
Ronan Sullivan's Prediction
Ronan Sullivan, sports reporter, highlights that Wednesday’s match at the air-conditioned Atlanta Stadium is a boon to England’s chances against Argentina, as they struggled in the humidity of Miami against Norway. The South American side have struggled through the knockouts, with extra-time wins over Cape Verde and Switzerland sandwiching a late, controversial comeback against Egypt. Sullivan notes that Argentina have been here before, and their 2022 win was built on indomitability and Lionel Messi, neither of which have changed. However, he believes Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane are world-class and peaking at a perfect time. Prediction: England 3-1 Argentina, after extra time.
