England and Argentina meet in the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup this evening, perhaps the biggest-ever fixture in what has been a classic rivalry.
Ahead of tonight’s game we’ve selected our England vs Argentina Combined XI.
Goalkeeper: Emi Martinez – Argentina
A battle between two goalkeepers who often exceed expectations when with their countries. Jordan Pickford has rarely let England down, despite an off-night against Norway, while Emi Martinez’s bulk of work is hugely impressive for the world champions. Four international trophies and two Yashin awards swing this in the Argentine’s favour.
Right-back: Reece James – England
Reece James’ return from a hamstring issue is a massive boost for England, with the Chelsea captain one of the world’s best when healthy. The problem is he hasn’t been healthy consistently enough.
Centre-back: Cristian Romero – Argentina
Argentina have a long history of combative centre-backs, and Romero is part of that lineage. Few encapsulate the relentless will-to-win quite like the Spurs captain, who’s more than handy with the ball at his feet too.
Centre-back: Lisandro Martinez – Argentina
The Manchester United man has had a strong tournament for Argentina, scoring a goal and providing an assist in the win over Cape Verde. After a mixed showing against Egypt, he was outstanding as Argentina overcame Switzerland in the last eight.
Lisandro Martinez is the highest rated centre-back at the World Cup (7.88) 💪
📊 FotMob pic.twitter.com/zqG4HbxDHS
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) July 14, 2026
Left-back: Nico O’Reilly – England
The Premier League Young Player of the Season has nailed down England’s left-back role for this tournament, offering a blend of technical quality and physical presence. His best role is perhaps further forward, but he now has a coming-of-age occasion against Lionel Messi and the world champions.
Midfield: Elliot Anderson – England
Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane aside, Elliot Anderson has arguably been England’s standout performer so far. The £116m man has done everything asked of him by Thomas Tuchel, showcasing why Manchester City were prepared to break the bank this summer.
Midfield: Declan Rice – England
There’s a sense that Declan Rice is running off fumes at this stage, but England will hope that the man nicknamed ‘horse’ at Arsenal has two more big races in him. At his best, Rice is a top-tier box-to-box presence.
Midfield: Jude Bellingham – England
Those that doubted Jude Bellingham pre-tournament are looking foolish now. A big-game player and massively impactful, he’s reemphasised his status as one of the world’s best in North America.
It’s the Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane show 🍿 pic.twitter.com/j4SiVpBp8x
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) July 11, 2026
Forward: Lionel Messi – Argentina
Even at 39, Lionel Messi might still be the world’s best player. Watching him this summer, it’s hard to disagree.
Mesmeric again on the big stage, his eight goals have carried Argentina within a win of a second straight World Cup final. A second success in this tournament would make his argument as the GOAT undisputed – if it wasn’t already.
Lionel Messi has made over 1100 career appearances. He’s played 205 times for Argentina. He’s NEVER faced England. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/1FgFzeH9XF
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) July 14, 2026
Forward: Julian Alvarez – Argentina
Argentina will be grateful to have Alvarez back and firing, with his sensational goal against Switzerland a reminder that there’s a threat beyond Messi.
Forward: Harry Kane – England
Harry Kane will hope to conclude the second-most prolific campaign of the 21st century with World Cup success this summer.
He’s surged past 70 goals for club and country in 2025/26 to underline his Ballon d’Or credentials.
Harry Kane is now second all-time for goals in a single season for club and country after surpassing Gerd Müller 🏴👀
Only Messi’s 2011/12 season stands in his way 🐐 pic.twitter.com/T46JlldYN5
— LiveScore (@livescore) July 11, 2026
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