England and Argentina are set to face off in the 2026 World Cup semi-finals this evening in what is shaping up to be one of the most significant fixtures in their storied rivalry. To mark the occasion, we have assembled a combined starting XI featuring the best talent from both squads.
In goal, the choice between Jordan Pickford and Emi Martinez is clear. While Pickford has been a reliable presence for England despite a difficult outing against Norway, Martinez’s resume for the world champions is superior. With four international trophies and two Yashin awards to his name, the Argentine goalkeeper takes the spot. Defensively, Reece James provides a boost for England upon his return from a hamstring injury, though his consistency remains a concern. He is joined by Argentina’s Cristian Romero, a center-back known for his relentless competitive spirit and technical ability as the Spurs captain.
The defensive unit also features the Manchester United defender who has enjoyed a strong tournament for Argentina, including a goal and an assist against Cape Verde and an outstanding performance against Switzerland. On the left, the Premier League Young Player of the Season has cemented his role for England, balancing technical quality with a physical presence ahead of this critical test against Lionel Messi.
In midfield, Elliot Anderson stands out as one of England’s most impactful players, justifying the £116m investment by Manchester City and Thomas Tuchel’s faith in him. Declan Rice, often referred to as a box-to-box presence, adds necessary energy, while Jude Bellingham has silenced pre-tournament doubters, reasserting himself as a world-class force in North America.
The attacking lineup is led by the legendary Lionel Messi. At 39, he remains arguably the world's best, with eight goals in this tournament carrying Argentina to the brink of a second consecutive final. His legacy could be cemented further with another title. He is joined by Julian Alvarez, who is back in form and provides a dangerous secondary threat, and Harry Kane, who has enjoyed a prolific 2025/26 campaign with over 70 goals for club and country, further bolstering his Ballon d'Or credentials.
