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If England are to reach their first-ever World Cup final on foreign soil then they will have to do it the hard way, as reigning champions Argentina stand in their way at the Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have carried the Three Lions’ hopes in North America and the latter was the hero of the piece as his brace helped England came from behind to beat Norway in a dramatic quarter-final match that saw VAR heavily involved.

Defence has been England’s Achilles heel as they have conceded four goals in three knockout matches, and Thomas Tuchel will need to find a way to stop, arguably, the greatest player of all time, Lionel Messi, weaving his attacking magic.

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Argentina’s ace has hit eight goals in this tournament to become the leading scorer in World Cup history, although he failed to find the target in their 3-1 extra-time defeat of Switzerland in the previous round as Lionel Scaloni’s side continued their title defence.

It’s a blockbuster match that truly fits the bill as a semi-final and the heated rivalry between the two nations adds an extra dimension to the tie. Whose World Cup dreams will come crashing down at this late stage?

Radio Times brings you our predictions for England v Argentina at World Cup 2026.

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England v Argentina predictions

England have shown plenty of character to get over the line in all three of their knockout games. Thomas Tuchel’s criticism in the aftermath of the Norway victory was spot on, however, and they will need to show a tad more quality on the ball if they’re to reach the World Cup final.

The good news for the Three Lions is Argentina have looked vulnerable as they required extra-time to get past Cape Verde and Switzerland as well as needing a VAR call in their favour before mounting a comeback against Egypt.

As neither team has consistently hit top gear in the tournament, it seems likely that an additional 30 minutes will be played and moments of individual magnificence will settle the contest. While Messi is the obvious danger, the twin threat of Kane and Bellingham could swing it in England’s favour.

Radio Times says… England 2-1 Argentina (AET)

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