Tuesday, July 14th 2026
The moment of truth has already arrived for England.
Until this stage of the World Cup, the “Three Lions” have had a relatively favorable journey. The confrontation with Mexico at the “Azteca” stadium was a serious test, but Thomas Tuchel’s team has not yet faced an opponent that, objectively, can be considered stronger.
Now in front of them stands Argentina, the reigning world champion, led by Lionel Messi.
Even the “Albiceleste” has not completely convinced during this tournament. Like England, they too have relied heavily on their main star to solve the crucial moments.
However, Argentina has repeatedly shown that it knows how to raise the level when the matches become really important. After all, most of this group have won the 2022 World Cup final and the 2024 Copa America final, both after extremely difficult encounters.
And underestimating Messi in a big match is always a dangerous mistake.
How should England respond to this challenge?
The good news for Tuchel is that the squad is close to full strength. Declan Rice is expected to be fit, Bukayo Saka is showing signs of improvement, while Jude Bellingham is in outstanding form.
This could be England’s ideal line-up for the big semi-final against arch-rivals Argentina.
Jordan Pickford started the tournament unconvincingly, but has gradually returned to the level England expect of him.
The performance at the Azteca Stadium will be long remembered by the fans. England, while the Everton goalkeeper has repeatedly shown that he knows how to respond when the national team needs him most.
He can be criticized for the way he judged the cross that brought Norway’s first goal, but if he had stopped that ball, the intervention would have been considered an outstanding save.
There is no doubt about his place in the formation.
Tuchel gave the defender considerable playing time against Norway, starting for nearly 50 minutes during his recovery from a hamstring injury.
James helped out on both the right-back and central midfield. His introduction proved crucial, as it gave England the control they had lacked for most of the match.
It remains to be seen whether he can handle the full 90 minutes. However, Tuchel also has Djed Spence at his disposal, who can bring energy from the bench.
Ezri Konsa may have been more effective on the right wing than in central defence, but John Stones’ fitness needs to be taken into account.
After a season of many interruptions at Manchester City, Stones can hardly be considered completely reliable to play two full games in less than a week.
Consequently, Konsa should be starter, while Stones can be used as an experienced alternative during the second half.
Marc Guehi developed an outstanding performance against Norway.
England needed a defender who would make the game as difficult as possible for Erling Haaland. The Manchester City forward can’t be completely stopped, but he can slow down and move away from the areas where he is most dangerous.
Guehi did just that, with a brave, physical and highly disciplined display.
Questions have been raised about Nico O’Reilly’s defensive abilities throughout the tournament.
In the semi-finals, he may be entrusted with the most difficult task possible: covering Lionel Messi. Messin.
The Argentinian in recent games has often moved to the right wing. That means O’Reilly will have to continually help limit the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, if not take the lead.
This will be the biggest test of his career and England must hope he is up to the task.
Elliot Anderson was the unsung hero of the game against Norway.
While the players around him changed positions and Tuchel constantly intervened in the system, Anderson kept the balance in the center of the field.
He also did an excellent job in the duel with Haaland, winning the intervention that led to the annulment of the possible goal for Norway.
His performances are showing more and more clearly why Manchester City decided to invest a large sum for his transfer.
After the match against Norway it was revealed that Declan Rice had spent most of the previous three days in bed, due to poor health.
For that reason, he deserves a lot of credit for managing to play the first half, before Tuchel made the brave decision to replace him at the break.
Rice is expected to be fit for the semi-final. His return will give England the heart of midfield again.
This is undoubtedly the most important game of his career with the national team.
The inclusion of Jude Bellingham needs no explanation.
The Real Madrid star is England’s most decisive player and the man who can change the game at any moment.
The time has come for England to make the most of Bukayo. Sakan.
The Arsenal footballer continues to look like he is not fully recovered physically. Although he provided an important assist against Mexico, his movements on the pitch show that he is not in ideal condition.
However, he should play against Argentina, especially due to his important contribution in the defensive phase.
With Messi moving in that area of the pitch, Saka’s engagement without the ball could be as important as his contribution in attack.
Harry Kane did not have his best game. against Norway, but his performance was not so poor as to jeopardize his place in the lineup.
“Give the ball to Harry and Jude, then they will do the rest.”
The captain remains the main goalscorer and one of the leaders of the team. In a match of this importance, his experience and ability to take advantage of opportunities could prove decisive.
After a poor performance against Ghana, for which he was perhaps criticized more than he deserved, Anthony Gordon deserves his chance from the first minute.
He was very good against Mexico at the Azteca and brought energy and danger even after coming on against Norway.
Gordon has shown that he can provide a more complete contribution in both phases of the game than Marcus Rashford, although the latter could be considered a better finisher.
Gordon’s speed, pressing and willingness to help out in defense could be key elements against Argentina.
England’s proposed line-up against Argentina
Pickford; James, Konsa, Guehi, O’Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane.
Tuchel needs to make some bold decisions, especially on the right wing, where the combination of James and Saka could give England more balance to limit Messi.
Argentina remain a team capable of stepping up at the most important moments. However, with Rice on the mend, Bellingham in form and a more controlled set-up on the wings, England have reason to believe they can secure a place in the World Cup finals. /GazetaExpress/
Source: prizrenpost
