England face Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals tonight.
The two sides are laden with talent with the likes of Lionel Messi, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane all impressing in the United States, Canada and Mexico this summer.
But who would make a combined XI?
GOALKEEPER
Emiliano Martinez (Argentina)
Widely recognised as the best goalkeeper in the world, Martinez just gets the nod over England’s Jordan Pickford. The Aston Villa stopper has conceded six goals in six games in Argentina’s run to the semis.
DEFENDERS
Right-back
Nahuel Molina (Argentina)
The common sense choice given the fact England have had to chop and change at right-back due to injuries, suspension and a poor initial squad selection. Molina is solid, if unspectacular.
Central defence
Marc Guehi (England)
After bizarrely being left out by Thomas Tuchel for the opening win over Croatia, Guehi has brought stability and calmness to the heart of the England defence. The Manchester City defender has all the attributes required of a top centre-half.
Lisandro Martinez (Argentina)
The diminutive Manchester United man has been the stand-out in the Argentina back four with a series of combative displays. Small in stature, he compensates with tigerish tackling and sound positional awareness.
Left-back
Nico O’Reilly (England)
Has quietly had a very good first major tournament with the Three Lions. Still only 21 years of age, he has defended well but also joined in with the attack, often being the extra man in midfield.
MIDFIELDERS
Defensive midfield
Declan Rice (England)
Struggled with illness during the win over Norway but was superb in the group stage. Classed as a defensive midfielder, the Arsenal man is also good going forward and provides the set-pieces. A key part of the England machine.
Elliot Anderson (England)
The perfect partner for Rice. Like O’Reilly, Anderson has burst on to the international scene and looked very comfortable in his new surroundings. Physical but always looking to play forward, Anderson has more mobility than his Argentinian opponents.
Attacking midfield
Jude Bellingham (England)
Who else? Bellingham has carried England to the last four with six goals, one assist and man of the match displays against both Mexico and Norway. The Real Madrid star is rapidly developing into England’s main man.
FORWARDS
Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Was it in doubt? Messi trails only Kylian Mbappe in the race for the Golden Boot with eight goals and two assists in six games. Even at the age of 39, he is the man England have to contain tonight.
Julian Alvarez (Argentina)
Plays predominantly as the number nine but likes to roam and influence the game. Quick and deadly in front of goal, Alvarez scored with a stunning curling effort in the win over Switzerland and is now firmly first choice ahead of Lautaro Martinez.
Harry Kane (England)
Three Lions captain and record scorer, Kane carries England’s greatest goal threat. Having looked unfit during Euro 2024, the Bayern Munich star has produced a series of superb displays at the 2026 World Cup.
Provided by https://www.lineup-builder.co.uk/
