The Argentine National Team is all set to face England for a spot in the final of the 2026 World Cup. Just hours before the match begins, Lionel Scaloni confirmed the starting lineup with an important change in midfield: Rodrigo De Paul will leave the formation and his place will be taken by Giuliano Simeone.
Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez will continue in goal, while the defense will consist of Nahuel Molina, Cristian “Cuti” Romero, Lisandro Martínez, and Nicolás Tagliafico.
In midfield, there will be Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister, and Enzo Fernández, while Giuliano Simeone will have the role of providing intensity, coverage, and speed on the right side. Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez will form the offensive duo.
The confirmed lineup of Argentina against England
Argentina will line up with: Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Tagliafico; Giuliano Simeone, Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández; Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez.
The departure of De Paul represents one of Scaloni's strongest decisions during the decisive stage of the World Cup. The midfielder had been an almost undisputed piece of the cycle, especially for his physical display, his pressing, and his football connection with Messi.
With the entry of Giuliano Simeone, the Argentine coach will seek to have a player with greater speed to cover the flank, assist Molina, and exploit the spaces that the English defense may leave. The team will be able to alternate between a 4-4-2 formation and a more offensive setup, with Giuliano joining the attack alongside Messi and Julián.
How England will line up against Argentina
Thomas Tuchel has also defined changes to face the Argentine team. Reece James, Djed Spence, and Morgan Rogers will enter the English team, which will have Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane as its main offensive references.
England will line up with: Jordan Pickford; Reece James, John Stones, Marc Guéhi, Djed Spence; Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers; Harry Kane and Anthony Gordon.
The winner of the match will advance to the final of the 2026 World Cup, where Spain is already waiting, having eliminated France in the first semifinal.
