England face Argentina in the World Cup 2026 semi-final on Wednesday, with the Three Lions aiming to reach their first final since 1966. Argentina, the reigning champions, seek back-to-back final appearances after a 2-1 extra-time win over Norway. Pundits are divided on the outcome, with most favoring England.
Alan Shearer Predicts 3-2 England Win
Alan Shearer backs Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane to lead England to victory. He told Betfair: "England can definitely make the final without a doubt. It's because I do think Argentina concede goals and we will score. So, I'm going to go for an amazing game with England 3-2 to win. Bellingham and Kane to get our goals. They are our big hitters."
Ian Wright Fears France and Spain More Than Argentina
Ian Wright believes England's counter-attack will triumph over Argentina. He said: "If we get to a France or a Spain, I think the level goes to another place entirely. ... I don't fear Argentina like I'd fear France or Spain, because I think there are a lot of fallacies with them. ... I think we'll beat Argentina – not just because I want us to, but because of the way they play and how narrow they are but our wingers need to do a lot more than what they have done."
Roy Keane Backs Argentina
Roy Keane disagrees with his Stick to Football colleague, predicting Argentina will reach the final. He said: "Truthfully, I think they'll come up short against Argentina. ... I think Argentina would just find something in a tight game."
Troy Deeney Predicts Comfortable England Win
Ex-Watford captain Troy Deeney, speaking on talkSPORT, predicted a 2-0 England win: "Is this the…worst semi-final we have witnessed in terms of performance? Neither team has played well. ... I believe we will dominate them… winning comfortably 2-0."
Paul Scholes Expects Chaos and a 4-3 England Win
Paul Scholes predicted a chaotic match with goals and cards. He said on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast: "This could be 4-3 either way, there will be yellow and red cards. ... I think we can beat Argentina and Spain but I'm not sure we can beat France. ... I'm going 4-3 to England. It will be chaos – there will be red cards and everything."
Chris Sutton Predicts Argentina Finish with Nine Men
Former striker Chris Sutton echoed the chaos prediction and backed England. He said: "I am expecting England to win comfortably - and my other prediction is for Argentina to finish the game with nine men."
