Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni is strongly considering replacing Rodrigo de Paul in his starting XI for the World Cup semi-final against England on Wednesday night in Atlanta. The winner will face France or Spain in the final on Sunday.
De Paul's role under threat
Rodrigo de Paul, the Inter Miami midfielder known as Lionel Messi's bodyguard for his protective role on the pitch, has started all but one of Argentina's matches this summer, sitting out the final group game against Jordan. However, reports from TYC Sports and ESPN Argentina claim Scaloni is giving strong consideration to naming the 32-year-old on the bench.
De Paul was substituted late on against Switzerland and just after the hour mark against Egypt in Argentina's last two matches. The midfielder has been a key player throughout Scaloni's tenure, operating on the right of midfield.
Potential replacements
According to reports in Argentina, Nico Gonzalez or Giuliano Simeone are the two leading candidates to come into the side. Gonzalez has impressed off the bench during the World Cup and has often been Scaloni's first substitute. Simeone, who plays for Atletico Madrid, could offer a more direct replacement on the right flank, but his only start in the tournament came in the dead rubber against Jordan.
TYC Sports also reports that the only other question mark over the lineup is whether Nahuel Molina starts at right-back over Gonzalo Montiel. The outlet has named a probable starting XI that includes Julian Alvarez ahead of Lautaro Martinez up front.
Probable Argentina XI vs England
The likely lineup, per TYC Sports, is: Emiliano Martinez; Nahuel Molina or Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul or Giuliano Simeone or Nicolas Gonzalez, Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez; Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez.
De Paul's response
De Paul spoke to the media on Monday but did not comment on reports that his place could be in jeopardy. He said: 'Everyone knows that I love these kinds of matches, they motivate me. They have a special element that awakens a lot of feelings in me. I'm experiencing this with great joy; it's a team I've never faced before. I'm experiencing it with a lot of excitement, a lot of anticipation. I'm really looking forward to tomorrow.'
