England vs Argentina betting tips, bet builder and predictions: Messi and England clash for very first time

Jul 15, 2026 - 08:15

After beating the altitude at the Azteca and the heat in the Miami. It’s now time for the Argie’s in Atlanta.

England and Argentina meet in the World Cup semi final on Wednesday night in one of the most highly-anticipated clashes in the tournament so far!

England vs Argentina best bets

Jude Bellingham to score anytime – 13/5 with BetVictor
Both teams to score in each half – 6/5 with BetMGM
Cristian Romero to be carded – 9/4 with Betfred
Lionel Messi to score anytime – 13/10 with BetVictor
Bet Builder: Romero be carded, Messi to score, Bellingham to score – 26/1 with Betfred

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England vs Argentina head to head overview

Date: Wednesday, 15th July 2026
Kick-off: 8pm
Venue: Atlanta Stadium, Georgia, USA
Where to watch: BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website
Referee: TBC
Last meeting: Argentina 2-3 England (November 2005 – Intl friendly)
Favourite to win: England – 6/4 BetVictor

England vs Argentina predicted lineups

England expected lineup (4-3-3): Pickford (GK); Spence, Konsa, Guehi, O’Reilly; Rice, Anderson, Bellingham; Gordon, Madueke, Kane
Argentina expected lineup (4-1-3-2): Martinez (GK); Molina, Romero, Martinez, Tagliafico; Paredes; R. De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister; Messi, Alvarez

England vs Argentina prediction

Lionel Messi will come up against England for the first time in his illustrious 21 year international career. A World Cup semi final feels fitting for this first meeting between these two footballing ‘powerhouses’.

That was Messi’s own words on what Argentina were coming up against when they play the Three Lions on Wednesday.

All eyes will be on Atlanta on Wednesday night and when Messi looks around he will see an in-form duo on the other side of the pitch in Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane.

Both nations’ path to the last four, have been fraught with risk and not necessarily straight forward. England have come from behind twice in their three knockout matches and had to fend off a spirited Mexico side in their own back yard.

While Argentina have gone to extra time twice and had to come from a 2-0 deficit in the final 10 minutes against Egypt in the last 16.

The 3-1 extra time win against Switzerland in the quarter final was the first time Messi hadn’t scored this tournament. As Julian Alvarez stole the show.

But having already plundered eight goals and heading the Golden Boot race, all eyes will be on the 38-year-old again for another magic moment.

Both nations have issues in defence, but flex their muscles in attack, which should set this up to be a barn stormer and captivating from minute one.

To sum this heavyweight up, Messi sais it best: “Personally, it’s the first time I’m going to play against them. I’ve played against everyone except England, so it will be nice for that reason too.

“And we’ll experience it for what it is: a World Cup semi-final against a powerhouse, a great team, and we’ll try to arrive in the best possible shape to compete again.”

England vs Argentina prediction and preview for 2026 World Cup clash

England vs Argentina betting tips

Belli-goal to score again

We’ve had alti-Jude in Mexico, and he came up clutch against Norway. Jude Bellingham has been England’s man for the big moments. Exactly what you need in major tournaments.

The 23-year-old has scored six goals at this summer’s World Cup with back to back braces. And he’ll be raring to go again against La Albiceleste.

Another goal for the Madrid star is well and truly on the cards.

More Messi magic?

Messi’s eight goals has him leading the race for the World Cup golden boot, matching France skipper Kylian Mbappe haul too.

It shows, despite his age, the level the Argentine is hitting. Even when looking marginalised against Egypt, he was able to spark into life and have a major effect on the result with the equaliser late in the game.

Even if England feel they have things under control on Wednesday, Messi will pounce on any lapse of concentration.

Two goals away from hitting double figures, he will be primed and ready to more glory.

England vs Argentina latest odds

Find the latest England vs Argentina betting odds here. Odds are provided by BetVictor and are subject to change.

England – 6/4
Draw – 2/1
Argentina – 2/1

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