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18:29 
Jude Bellingham has been England’s standout player this summer, having single-handedly dragged them into the Semi Finals with a brace against Norway. He also bagged a brace against Mexico in the previous round, so comes into this game in great scoring form.
He ranks joint-top for combined goals and assists in the England team, having been directly involved in seven of their 13 goals so far. His numbers are also very strong, averaging 1.05 goals P/90 as well as 1.90 shots on target P/90.
Argentina’s defence has looked vulnerable too, conceding twice to both Cape Verde and Egypt, as well as once against Switzerland. Considering England are a much stronger side than those teams, I expect them to score here, and Bellingham looks the likeliest player to be involved if they do.
Alexis Mac Allister ranks third for fouls drawn in Argentina’s squad, drawing nine across the World Cupthus far. He’s been fouled at least once in every game this summer, as well as in 10 of his last 12 competitive games for Argentina.
England’s midfield numbers are strong too, with Rice, Bellingham and Anderson committing 16 fouls between them. Anderson and Bellingham also both committed fouls against Norway, as did Reece James when replacing Rice from the bench.
I expect there to be a big battle in midfield here and, given the rivalry between England and Argentina, there should be plenty of fouls. Based on the numbers, Mac Allister has a strong chance of being involved in a few of those.
Argentina have won at least four corners in each of their last four games, registering six or more in every one of those matches. They landed eight corners in their quarter-final against Switzerland, granted three of those came in extra time, but still they will be looking to play on the front foot again here.
England have conceded at least four corners in their last two games, allowing seven to Norway and 12 to Mexico. Mexico even landed this selection in the first half and I expect Argentina to take a similar approach by coming out and putting England under pressure from the first whistle.
Even Congo and Panama forced three corners against England despite sitting back for most of the game. Argentina should enjoy plenty of attacking possession here, so only needing one more corner than Panama managed looks very achievable.
England vs Argentina Team News & Current Form
It was the Bellingham show once again for England last wee; that’s not to discredit the rest of squad, as the entire team put in a serious shift and limited the likes of Haaland, but once again England needed a Bellingham brace to see them through to the Semi Finals. Performances have been mixed, with England looking vulnerable in each of their knockout victories over DR Congo, Mexico, and Norway. However, they keep getting results, and if the main men turn up, then they could well be on their way to another Final.
Argentina have perhaps had similar issues to England defensively. They conceded twice against Cape Verde, came back from 2-0 down against Egypt, and were also pegged back by Switzerland. Again, their key men are stepping up, none more so than Lionel Messi, and if the little magician is firing, then the reigning World Champions will prove tough to beat once again.
Thomas Tuchel has had a number of injury concerns to contend with over the course of this World Cup, but many of the issues have subsided. Reece James returned to action against Norway, whilst it’s been suggested that Declan Rice has fully overcome the illness that had been causing him problems prior to the Norway win.
Jarrell Quansah remains England’s only confirmed absentee through suspension, so expect the same back four that started in the Quarter Final.
As for Lionel Scaloni, there are very selection headaches for the Argentina coach here. He has a fully fit contingent to pick from, so it’s just a case of who he sees as the best fit.
Leandro Paredes looks set to continue in a deeper midfield role to give the side more defensive structure, whilst Lautaro Martinez is set to continue alongside Lionel Messi.
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