England World Cup starting 11: Predicted lineup and tactics for Argentina

Jude Bellingham was the decisive figure again as England produced another dramatic extra-time win, beating Norway 2-1 to reach the World Cup semi-finals. Preparations for Argentina have been shaped by Jarell Quansah’s suspension, Declan Rice’s recovery from illness, and Reece James’s timely return from injury.

England’s win over Norway was as dramatic as anything they’ve produced at this World Cup. Andreas Schjelderup’s deflected effort put Norway ahead before half-time, but Bellingham equalised with a driving finish and then struck the winner in extra time, pouncing after Norway’s goalkeeper spilled a shot from substitute Morgan Rogers. It takes Bellingham to six tournament goals and keeps him level with Harry Kane, who didn’t add to his own tally in Miami, in England’s scoring charts. Messi and Kylian Mbappé now lead the overall Golden Boot race with eight apiece.

It wasn’t the first time England have had to battle back from a goal down in the knockout stages. Harry Kane’s brace saved the day against DR Congo in the Round of 32, turning a shock deficit into a 2-1 win. They also had to stand tall in Mexico City, where England went down to ten men after Jarell Quansah was sent off following a VAR review for a high tackle on Mexico’s Jesús Gallardo, yet still saw out a 3-2 win. Wednesday’s semi-final against Argentina is the toughest test yet of that resilience.

Check out our latest World Cup match betting tips and predictions ahead of today’s games

England starting 11 and World Cup 2026 squad: key takeaways

• Quansah is suspended for the semi-final too: His two-match ban for the Mexico red card rules him out against both Norway and Argentina. Ezri Konsa or Reece James are the options at right-back.
• James is back and expected to start: After three matches out with a hamstring injury, James returned as a substitute against Norway and has since said he’s fully fit.
• Declan Rice has overcome his stomach bug: Rice played only 45 minutes against Norway after being bedbound for three days beforehand, but has since trained fully and is expected to start alongside Elliot Anderson.
• Bellingham has six tournament goals and is playing the best football of his career: His brace against Norway, including the extra-time winner, keeps him firmly in the Golden Boot conversation.
• Kane is level with Bellingham on six tournament goals: He didn’t add to his tally against Norway but remains the focal point of the attack.
• Bukayo Saka’s fitness is no longer a concern: He started and impressed against Mexico, then came off the bench against Norway – expect him back in from the start against Argentina.

England 2026 World Cup confirmed 26-man squad

Note: Tino Livramento has been replaced by Trevoh Chalobah due to injury – a defender Tuchel knows well from their time together at Chelsea.

How England lined up against Norway

Rice’s early withdrawal through illness was the story of the Norway lineup, with Elliot Anderson covering the full 120 minutes in his place. John Stones was recalled alongside Marc Guéhi in defence, and it was one of England’s more cautious selections of the tournament. For Argentina, the picture should look healthier: Reece James is expected to come into the side at right-back, and Bukayo Saka is set to be restored to the right wing.

Quansah remains unavailable through suspension, but Rice and James are both expected fit, giving Thomas Tuchel a much healthier squad to choose from than he had for Norway.

How to Bet on the England Starting 11

The anytime goalscorer market is always popular, and with good reason – Harry Kane and Bellingham have carried England to this point between them, with twelve tournament goals and the two most decisive moments of the campaign so far. Bellingham, in particular, is in red-hot form after his brace against Norway.  Betting offers vary enough across bookmakers that it is worth comparing odds on Kane before placing.

For cards, Rice and Anderson remain the most likely England players to pick up bookings, assuming Rice starts. Tuchel’s high-press instructions put both midfielders in positions where they must commit to challenges.

Is there a chance of England winning the World Cup?

England have earned their place as second favourites at 3/1, one win behind Spain, and it’s been a campaign built on knowing exactly when to deliver. Kane dragged them past DR Congo when nobody else could find a way through, Bellingham did it twice in Mexico City and then again in extra time against Norway, and Tuchel’s side even navigated the altitude test in Mexico City that had been flagged as a potential banana skin all tournament. France’s exit – a 2-0 loss to Spain – has removed one of the other pre-tournament favourites, leaving England as the last side standing between Spain and a repeat final.

With a deep, talented squad and just one win standing between them and a first World Cup final since 1966, the bookmakers’ prices reflect a side many now fancy to go all the way.

FAQ about the 2026 England World Cup squad

1. Is Jarell Quansah available for the semi-final?

No. His two-match ban for the red card against Mexico covers both the Norway and Argentina matches, ruling him out for the rest of the tournament.

2. Are there any other injury concerns in the squad?

Reece James has recovered from his hamstring injury and is expected to start. Declan Rice has overcome a stomach bug that limited him to 45 minutes against Norway and is expected to be fit for the full match. Jordan Henderson remains out for the tournament with a broken wrist.

3. What’s the squad’s travel schedule?

England are based in Kansas City, Missouri, and have since played their quarter-final in Miami and now face Argentina in Atlanta for the semi-final. A win sends them to MetLife Stadium in New Jersey for Sunday’s final. For analysis of how the schedule affects England’s chances in each game, see our World Cup tips and predictions.

About the author

Greg Lea

Greg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.

Follow Greg on X: @GregLeaFootball

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