England face Argentina in a World Cup semi-final on Wednesday; Lionel Messi and Jude Bellingham lead the cast but width, set-pieces, midfield control, defensive discipline and late goals could decide whether Thomas Tuchel’s side reach the final
Here we go. England face Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals on Wednesday – a fixture loaded with history, jeopardy and one final obstacle between Thomas Tuchel’s side and the World Cup final. It may be the biggest England game of a generation, but where could it be won or lost?
Too close to call?
According to Opta, the outcome is almost a coin toss, with Tuchel’s side given a 52.9 per cent chance of reaching the final. France are favourites on the other side of the draw, but England still have a 22.6 per cent chance of becoming world champions.
Superstars collide
Two superstars will collide in the air-conditioned Atlanta cauldron: Jude Bellingham and Lionel Messi. Sixteen years separate them, but both have shaped their teams’ tournaments, carrying huge attacking responsibility and delivering decisive moments on the road to the semi-finals.
All-action Bellingham has now scored twice in successive England games, taking his tournament tally to six.
Operating in an advanced No 10 role, the Real Madrid midfielder has become England’s most explosive attacking force – and the range of shots underlines the confidence running through his game.
And then there is Messi. Having seemingly bowed out as a world champion four years ago, the 39-year-old has returned to mesmerise once again, leading Argentina’s charge and sharing the Golden Boot lead with fellow 2022 finalist Kylian Mbappe.
