England v Argentina: Can Paredes curtail Bellingham's influence?
Argentina's Leandro Paredes (right) appeals to referee Francois Letexier. Pic: Nick Potts/PA Wire.
England are looking to make the World Cup final for just the second time in their history having progressed to the semi-final at Norway’s expense. A Jude Bellingham brace was enough to secure a 2-1 victory after extra time having fallen behind to an Andreas Schjelderup cross-cum-shot.
Like England, Argentina were taken to extra time in the fourth and final 2026 quarter-final but eventually got the job done against Switzerland as Alexis Mac Allister, Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez all struck in a 3-1 win.
Argentina will wear their away kit in Atlanta. That’s hardly a surprise considering the South American nation are the designated away side for the final-four clash. The Three Lions will sport their famous white shirt in Atlanta.
It’ll mark the first time the rivals have met one another in competitive action since 2002, where David Beckham made amends for his 1998 red card by scoring the only goal from the spot on the stroke of half time in the Far East. That said, England wore their red away shirt, while Argentina donned the familiar white and sky-blue stripes.
Back in 1998 and in 1986, Argentina sported their away shirt as they beat England on penalties in the former and at the Azteca in the latter. They’ll hope the symbolism rings true once again. Anything to give them a lift as they look to defend their 2022 crown.
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The 23-year-old is now a credible contender for the Golden Boot. Indeed, Bellingham finds himself two goals off Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi (both 8) in the top scorer charts. Argentina will need to be at their best in order to contain the youngster. It’s for that reason why Lionel Scaloni may opt for a system that includes Leandro Paredes at the base of the midfield. The 32-year-old has proven an effective defensive shield for the 2022 champions, with his distribution enabling Argentina to dominate. Their 60.2% possession average is the eighth most at the World Cup, with Paredes key to dictating the tempo.
A pass success rate of 94.5% is second only to Cristian Romero (95.9%) of all Argentina players this summer. 121.8 passes per 90 is more than any other player at the tournament. In short, Paredes is an expert at ensuring Argentina retain possession. Keeping the ball away from Bellingham is of the utmost importance.
England’s right-back issues continue. Jarell Quansah serves the second of a two-match ban. And with Reece James unlikely to be fit enough to start, Thomas Tuchel may opt for Ezri Konsa ahead of Djed Spence at right-back once again, meaning John Stones would continue at the heart of the defence.
Declan Rice didn’t look at it for the Norway game with illness affecting the midfielder. Having coming off at the break, Tuchel will hope Rice is fit and firing. Jordan Henderson is absent, though wouldn’t have started anyway. Bukayo Saka may replace Noni Madueke on the right flank.
Argentina have no injury or suspension concerns, and the only issue is whether Lautaro Martinez or Julian Alvarez partners Lionel Messi up front. Having started, and scored in, the 3-1 win over Switzerland, Alvarez may get the nod again.
With that, Scaloni may go for an unchanged XI for the game against England.
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