- Argentina have gone 10/10 across all competitions.
- Argentina's last three FIFA World Cup knockout games were a 3-2 win over Cape Verde, a 3-2 win over Egypt and a 3-1 victory over Switzerland.
Heavyweight encounter at Atlanta Stadium
These two giants of world football meet in Atlanta Stadium in a clash with a very heavyweight feel to it.
Gareth Southgate's men have a perfect opportunity to get Argentina out early though, as La Albiceleste have played 10 games and are on a five-match winning streak in all competitions. They've conceded just seven goals in those ten games, so England will need to be patient to break them down.
Bellingham can get on the scoresheet
Thomas Tuchel has clearly worked his magic on England since taking the reigns on 1 January 2025, as the Three Lions have looked drilled, flexible and a force on the attack during this campaign.
They can switch from a back three to a back four, with wing-backs, a double pivot and can turn defence into attack in a second. They have the pace to play on the break, but it's Jude Bellingham who has been England's spark in the knockout stages, scoring four times in three appearances in this competition. Back him to get on the scoresheet in this clash.
Lionel Scaloni has had the reins of Argentina since 2 August 2018 and his team have a similar structure to the old days, with the 4-3-3 formation giving Messi the space and control to run the show.
Under 2.5 goals could be the smart play
Argentina's system is all about controlling the space, rotating positions and pressing selective- ly, while the full-backs and midfielders feed Messi in dangerous zones. They have scored ten goals in their last five games, with the ace scoring three of those.
The market doesn't split the teams well, as England are available at 3/2, while Argentina are 47/25 and the draw 11/5. This has a nail-biting tie feel about it, but Under 2.5 goals is a touch too tight at 67/100, while Both Teams to Score is all square at 17/20 for yes or no.
The difference will be made in the midfield, where England will want to play at tempo while Argentina want to control it and that could lead to a chess match.
