England vs Argentina preview

2026 World Cup, World
Atlanta Stadium Wed, 15 Jul - 7:00 PM
World Cup
EnglandENG
1 2
ArgentinaARG
Full Time Wed, 15 Jul 7:00 PM
Semi Finals
Goal
|
Goal

CONTEXT

England hosted Argentina in a match that concluded with a 1-2 final score after a goalless first half. Argentina controlled possession at 64 percent compared to England's 36 percent. Expected goals favored Argentina with 1.32 against England's 0.63, resulting in a differential of -0.69. The stronger team prevailed as Argentina secured the victory. No red cards were issued to either side. The outcome aligned with the expected goals projection. Pre-match indicators showed a significant deviation of 68.8 percent associated with Argentina.

TL;DR

  • Structural deviation: A significant deviation of 68.8 percent was recorded for Argentina.
  • Efficiency shift: Efficiency remained in line with pre-match projections for both teams.
  • xG alignment: The final result proved consistent with the xG values of 0.63 to 1.32.
  • Market alignment: The outcome did not align with pre-match market indicators.
  • xG expectations: Argentina exceeded xG expectations while England fell short at 0.63.
  • Event impact: No major events altered the flow beyond standard play in the 1-2 result.
  • Red card distortion: Absence of red cards left no distortion in match dynamics.
No standings statistics available.
No head-to-head records found.
0.5+ goals: 85%
1.5+ goals: 70%
2.5+ goals: 50%
3.5+ goals: 25%
Confidence: High (≥8 matches)

Quality vs Volume

Home: xG 1.8, Shots 12, xG/Shot 0.15
Away: xG 1.5, Shots 14, xG/Shot 0.11

Open Play vs Set Play

Open Play: 65%
Set Play: 35%

Expected Points

TeamxPts
Home1.8
Away1.2
ℹ️ Methodology: Expected Goals (xG) measures shot quality
I. Elfath
I. Elfath
Referee • 25 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 30.4
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 4
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0.36
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0.36
League Avg 0
C. Parker
C. Parker
1st Assistant • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
K. Atkins
K. Atkins
2nd Assistant • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
M. Mariani
M. Mariani
4th Official • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
England T. Tuchel
T. Tuchel
VS
Argentina L. Scaloni
L. Scaloni
2.67
Avg Points / Game (Last 100 Matches)
3
2.67 i
Last 6 Opponents
Norway Rank: W
Mexico Rank: W
Congo DR Rank: W
Panama Rank: W
Ghana Rank: D
Croatia Rank: W
Avg Points / Game (Last 6 Matches)
3 i
Last 6 Opponents
Switzerland Rank: W
Egypt Rank: W
Cape Verde Islands Rank: W
Jordan Rank: W
Austria Rank: W
Algeria Rank: W
0
Head to Head (Wins - Draws - Losses)
0 - 0 - 0
0

Win Probabilities

Live Win Probability (90 Min)
Home England
35.08%
Draw
33.75%
Away Argentina
31.18%

Movement

Changes since opening
England
+34.89%
Draw
+29.17%
Argentina
-64.05%

Team Power Ranking

i
What is Power Ranking?
Power score: composite of opponent-weighted form (last 6 & 20 games) and league position over last 3 seasons.
50.12
51.85
0 (Weakest) 100 (Strongest)
Metric
England
Argentina
Power Score
50.12
51.85
League Position
1
1
Global Rank
4
3

Form Analysis Opponent-Weighted

Line chart of recent results (points/trend). Friendlies excluded by default. Hover for opponent, result, xG/xGA and power ranking — based on last 6 matches.

–
vs
England — Opponent-weighted form score
Argentina — Opponent-weighted form score
Win (3 pts) Draw (1 pt) Loss (0 pts) England Argentina

Heatmaps Ball coordinates

Attack and defence zones from ball position data. Filters: last 6 matches (overall/home/away), time period, competition.

–
vs

England

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —

Argentina

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —
Possession Efficiency data not available for this match.

Set Pieces Efficiency Attack & Defence

Set-piece reliance and strength using expected metrics and actual outcomes for each team.

England
vs
Argentina
Created Set-piece attacking threat
England Argentina
Set-piece xG Share Share of total expected goals generated from set pieces. Higher = more set-piece reliant in attack.
10%
8%
Goals per Match Average set-piece goals scored per match.
0.00 0.00
vs Expected (xG) Goals scored minus set-piece xG. Positive = overperforming; Negative = underperforming expectations.
-0.06 vs -0.11
Conceded Set-piece defensive exposure
England Argentina
Set-piece xGA Share Share of total expected goals conceded from set pieces. Higher = more exposed to set pieces defensively.
8%
10%
Conceded per Match Average set-piece goals conceded per match.
0.00 0.00
vs Expected (xGA) Goals conceded minus set-piece xGA. Positive = conceding more than expected (bad); Negative = conceding less than expected (good).
-0.11 vs -0.06
England
Argentina
xG Share = set-piece xG ÷ total xG
vs Expected = goals − set-piece xG

Counter / Transition Attack & Defence

What happens in the 15 seconds immediately after possession changes hands — based on Last 6 matches.

–
England
vs
Argentina
Attack After Winning Possession transition → offence
England Argentina
Goals per Match Average goals scored within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Shots per Match Average shots taken within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Average dangerous attacks launched within 15s of winning possession per match. ↑ better
—
—
Transition Efficiency Index Composite score (0–1) of how efficiently this team attacks within 15s of winning the ball. Higher = more dangerous on transition. Higher = stronger on the counter
England 0.00
Argentina 0.00
Defence After Losing Possession loss → defensive exposure
England Argentina
Goals Conceded Average goals conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Shots Conceded Average shots conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Conceded Average dangerous attacks allowed within 15s of losing possession per match. ↓ better
—
—
Vulnerability Index Composite score (0–1) of how exposed this team is within 15s of losing the ball. Lower = better at preventing transition attacks. Lower = better transition defence
England 0.00
Argentina 0.00
England
Argentina
Window = 15s post-possession change
Index = 0–1 composite score

PRESSURE INDEX

Momentum phases from smoothed minute-by-minute pressure.

  • ARG had peak pressure around 82'.
  • ENG started the game with stronger pressure.
ENG Pressure ARG Pressure
⚡
Pressure Index: ARG reached the top pressure at 82' (94.27).

STARTING XI

Match Formation 4-2-3-1
Match Formation 4-4-2
Pitch

General Information

Date & Time
Jul 15, 2026, 07:00 PM
Competition
2026 World Cup, World · Semi Finals
Stadium
Atlanta Stadium
Capacity
68239
Pitch Surface
Artificial turf
Weather
☀️ 12°C, Fair
Referees
Ismail Elfath
Corey Parker
Kyle Atkins
Maurizio Mariani

Statistics

Possession
ENG
39%
ARG
61%

Top Statistics

1 Goals 2
1 Big Chances Created 3
1 Shots 7
39 Dangerous attacks 69
36 Possession 64
1 Corners 6
18 Free kicks 12
1 Yellow Cards 3

Match Overview

40 Ball Safe 39
9 Goal Kicks 3
4 Goal Attempts 6
5 Substitutions 5
19 Throwins 20
0 Hit Woodwork 2
12 Successful Headers 10
1 Assists 2
19 Dribble Attempts 15
8 Successful Dribbles 12
42 Successful Dribbles Percentage 80

Attacking

77 Attacks 109
0 Big Chances Missed 2

Possession

42 Long Passes 27
324 Passes 590
272 Successful Passes 537
84 Successful Passes Percentage 91
4 Key Passes 13
16 Successful Long Passes 13
38 Successful Long Passes Percentage 48

Defensive

3 Saves 1
14 Tackles 20
9 Interceptions 7
49 Duels Won 52

Build-up

15 Total Crosses 19
3 Accurate Crosses 6

Discipline

1 Offsides 3
11 Fouls 15

Lineup

Referee : Ismail Elfath

Starting XI ▼

1
Jordan Pickford
Jordan Pickford Goalkeeper
6.71
5
John Stones
John Stones Defender
6.52
22
Ivan Toney
Ivan Toney
Attacker90+6'
7.57
6
Marc Guéhi
Marc Guéhi Defender
7.07
24
Reece James
Reece James Defender
6.84
15
Dan Burn
Dan Burn
Defender82'
6.78
25
Djed Spence
Djed Spence Defender
6.78
11
Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford
Attacker90+6'
6.85
4
Declan Rice
Declan Rice Midfielder
7.16
3
Nico O'Reilly
Nico O'Reilly
Defender82'
6.72
8
Elliot Anderson
Elliot Anderson Midfielder
7.26
10
Jude Bellingham
Jude Bellingham Midfielder
7.97
17
Morgan Rogers
Morgan Rogers Midfielder
6.74
18
Anthony Gordon
Anthony Gordon Midfielder
6.85
2
Ezri Konsa
Ezri Konsa
Defender72'
6.8
9
Harry Kane
Harry Kane (C) Attacker
7.45
Referee : Ismail Elfath

Starting XI ▼

23
Emiliano Martínez
Emiliano Martínez Goalkeeper
6.58
3
Nicolás Tagliafico
Nicolás Tagliafico Defender
6.74
22
Lautaro Martínez
Lautaro Martínez
Attacker81'
6.82
6
Lisandro Martínez
Lisandro Martínez Defender
7.51
19
Nicolás Otamendi
Nicolás Otamendi
Defender72'
6.76
13
Cristian Romero
Cristian Romero Defender
7.05
26
Nahuel Molina
Nahuel Molina Defender
6.63
4
Gonzalo Montiel
Gonzalo Montiel
Defender72'
6.62
5
Leandro Paredes
Leandro Paredes Midfielder
7.12
15
Nico González
Nico González
Attacker64'
6.83
17
Giuliano Simeone
Giuliano Simeone Midfielder
6.47
7
Rodrigo De Paul
Rodrigo De Paul
Midfielder72'
7.04
20
Alexis Mac Allister
Alexis Mac Allister Midfielder
7.13
24
Enzo Fernández
Enzo Fernández Midfielder
7.2
9
Julián Álvarez
Julián Álvarez Attacker
6.73
10
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi (C) Attacker
8.92

Events

2ND-HALF
Event
Marcus Rashford → Djed Spence
9th Substitution
90+6'
Event
Ivan Toney → John Stones
10th Substitution
90+6'
90+4'
Event
Rodrigo De Paul
Argument / 4th Yellowcard
90+2'
Event
Lautaro Martínez
Header / 3rd Goal
86'
Event
Enzo Fernández
Right foot shot / 2nd Goal
Event
Dan Burn → Reece James
7th Substitution
82'
Event
Nico O'Reilly → Declan Rice
8th Substitution
82'
81'
Event
Lautaro Martínez → Nicolás Tagliafico
6th Substitution
Event
Ezri Konsa → Anthony Gordon
2nd Substitution
72'
72'
Event
Gonzalo Montiel  → Nahuel Molina
3rd Substitution
72'
Event
Nicolás Otamendi → Lisandro Martínez
4th Substitution
72'
Event
Rodrigo De Paul → Giuliano Simeone
5th Substitution
64'
Event
Nico González → Leandro Paredes
1st Substitution
Event
Anthony Gordon
Right foot shot / 1st Goal
55'
51'
Event
Cristian Romero 
Foul / 3rd Yellowcard
1ST-HALF
42'
Event
Lisandro Martínez
Foul / 2nd Yellowcard
Event
Elliot Anderson
Foul / 1st Yellowcard
37'

Match Commentary

90
Update Update
Emiliano Martínez wins a free kick for Argentina in the defensive half.
90
Update Update
Nico O'Reilly commits a foul for England.
90
Update Update
Foul committed by Jude Bellingham (England).
90
Update Update
Lionel Messi wins a free kick for Argentina in the defensive half.
90
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for England: Ivan Toney comes on for John Stones.
90
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for England: Marcus Rashford comes on for Djed Spence.
90
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Rodrigo De Paul from Argentina receives a yellow card.
90
Attempt Attempt
Attempt blocked. Alexis Mac Allister from Argentina has a right-footed shot from outside the box that is blocked.
90
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Argentina leads 2-1 with a header from very close range by Lautaro Martínez.
90
Update Update
The fourth official has indicated there will be 9 minutes of added time.
90
Update Update
Delay is over. The teams are ready to continue.
89
Update Update
The match is delayed due to an injury to John Stones from England.
85
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! The match is tied 1-1 as Enzo Fernández scores for Argentina with a right-footed shot from outside the box into the bottom left corner, assisted by Lionel Messi after a corner.
85
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Attempt saved. Enzo Fernández's right-footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top center of the goal by Jordan Pickford. Julián Alvarez provided the assist.
85
Corner Corner
Corner awarded to Argentina after a concession by Jordan Pickford.
84
Attempt Attempt
Rodrigo De Paul from Argentina has a right-footed shot from outside the box, but it is blocked.
82
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for England: Nico O'Reilly comes on for Declan Rice.
82
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for England: Dan Burn comes on for Reece James due to an injury.
82
Update Update
Delay is over, and they are set to continue.
81
Update Update
Harry Kane wins a free kick for England in the defensive half.
81
Update Update
Nico González commits a foul for Argentina.
81
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Argentina: Lautaro Martínez comes on for Nicolás Tagliafico.
81
Update Update
The match is delayed due to an injury to Reece James from England.
79
Attempt Attempt
Morgan Rogers' right-footed shot from outside the box for England is blocked.
77
Update Update
Nico González is caught offside for Argentina.
76
Update Update
Alexis Mac Allister hits the left post with a header from the center of the box, assisted by Rodrigo De Paul’s cross.
76
Attempt Attempt
Attempt missed. Julián Alvarez (Argentina) takes a left-footed shot from the center of the box but misses to the left.
76
Attempt Attempt
Attempt saved. Alexis Mac Allister's header from the center of the box is saved.
73
Update Update
Delay is over, and they are ready to continue.
72
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for England: Ezri Konsa comes on for Anthony Gordon.
72
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Argentina: Gonzalo Montiel comes on for Nahuel Molina.
72
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Argentina: Nicolás Otamendi comes on for Lisandro Martínez.
72
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Argentina: Rodrigo De Paul comes on for Giuliano Simeone.
69
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Attempt saved. Nico González's header from the center of the box is saved by Jordan Pickford in the center of the goal. The assist came from Lionel Messi's cross.
69
Update Update
Cristian Romero commits a foul for Argentina.
69
Update Update
Delay in the match in Argentina.
69
Update Update
Djed Spence wins a free kick for England in the defensive half.
68
Corner Corner
Corner awarded to Argentina after a concession by Elliot Anderson.
67
Update Update
Morgan Rogers commits a foul for England.
67
Update Update
Nicolás Tagliafico wins a free kick for Argentina in the defensive half.
67
Corner Corner
Argentina wins a corner after Declan Rice concedes.
66
Attempt Attempt
Attempt blocked. Harry Kane's right-footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Declan Rice provided the assist.
66
Attempt Attempt
Declan Rice's right-footed shot from outside the box is saved.
64
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Argentina: Nico González comes on for Leandro Paredes.
61
Attempt Attempt
Attempt missed by Enzo Fernández from Argentina, who took a right-footed shot from outside the box.
57
Corner Corner
Argentina wins a corner after Djed Spence concedes.
55
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! England leads Argentina 1-0. Anthony Gordon scores for England with a right-footed shot from very close range.
54
Update Update
Delay in the match in Argentina.
53
Update Update
Delay is over, and they are ready to continue.
53
Update Update
Cristian Romero wins a free kick for Argentina in the defensive half.
51
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Cristian Romero of Argentina receives a yellow card for a bad foul.
51
Update Update
Jude Bellingham from England is awarded a free kick in the defensive half.
51
Update Update
Cristian Romero commits a foul for Argentina.
47
Corner Corner
Attempt saved. Julián Alvarez's right-footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the bottom right corner by Jordan Pickford.
47
Corner Corner
Corner awarded to Argentina after a concession by Jordan Pickford.
47
Attempt Attempt
Attempt missed. Julián Alvarez (Argentina) has a right-footed shot from a challenging angle on the right that is close, but goes just wide to the right. He was assisted by Lionel Messi.
46
Update Update
The second half begins with the score at 0-0 between England and Argentina.
45
Corner Corner
England win a corner after Enzo Fernández concedes.
45
Update Update
Reece James from England wins a free kick on the right wing.
45
Update Update
Leandro Paredes from Argentina is called for dangerous play.
45
Update Update
Offside for England. Morgan Rogers is caught offside.
45
Update Update
The fourth official has indicated there will be 3 minutes of added time.
43
Update Update
Elliot Anderson wins a free kick for England in the defensive half.
43
Update Update
Enzo Fernández commits a foul for Argentina.
42
Update Update
Morgan Rogers from England wins a free kick in the defensive half.
42
Update Update
Foul committed by Lisandro Martínez of Argentina.
42
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Lisandro Martínez of Argentina receives a yellow card for a bad foul.
38
Attempt Attempt
Lionel Messi's left-footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Leandro Paredes provided the assist.
38
Attempt Attempt
Attempt missed. Enzo Fernández from Argentina takes a right-footed shot from outside the box, but it goes just a bit too high after a set piece situation.
37
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Elliot Anderson from England receives a yellow card for a foul.
37
Update Update
Lionel Messi wins a free kick for Argentina in the attacking half.
37
Update Update
Elliot Anderson commits a foul for England.
35
Update Update
Jude Bellingham of England wins a free kick on the left wing.
35
Update Update
Nahuel Molina commits a foul for Argentina.
34
Update Update
Marc Guéhi from England is awarded a free kick in the defensive half.
34
Update Update
Foul committed by Giuliano Simeone of Argentina.
33
Attempt Attempt
Attempt missed. John Stones (England) headed the ball from the right side of the six-yard box after a set piece situation.
32
Update Update
Jude Bellingham wins a free kick for England in the attacking half.
32
Update Update
Enzo Fernández commits a foul for Argentina.
30
Update Update
Giuliano Simeone wins a free kick for Argentina in the defensive half.
30
Update Update
Anthony Gordon wins a free kick for England in the attacking half.
28
Update Update
Delay is over, and they are ready to continue.
25
Update Update
Jordan Pickford wins a free kick for England in the defensive half.
25
Update Update
Foul committed by Giuliano Simeone of Argentina.
25
Update Update
The match is currently delayed for a drinks break.
24
Corner Corner
Argentina wins a corner after Djed Spence concedes.
23
Update Update
Foul committed by Jude Bellingham (England).
23
Update Update
Alexis Mac Allister wins a free kick for Argentina in the attacking half.
21
Update Update
Morgan Rogers commits a foul for England.
21
Update Update
Nicolás Tagliafico wins a free kick for Argentina in the defensive half.
21
Update Update
Offside against Argentina. Lionel Messi is caught offside.
16
Update Update
Anthony Gordon of England wins a free kick in the defensive half.
16
Update Update
Giuliano Simeone commits a foul for Argentina.
13
Update Update
Offside for Argentina. Giuliano Simeone is caught offside.
12
Update Update
Delay in the match in Argentina.
12
Update Update
Delay is over, and they are set to continue.
10
Update Update
Elliot Anderson commits a foul for England.
10
Update Update
Enzo Fernández wins a free kick for Argentina in the defensive half.
9
Update Update
Nicolás Tagliafico wins a free kick for Argentina in the defensive half.
9
Update Update
Reece James commits a foul for England.
9
Update Update
Elliot Anderson wins a free kick for England in the defensive half.
9
Update Update
Foul committed by Giuliano Simeone of Argentina.
8
Update Update
Julián Alvarez wins a free kick for Argentina in the defensive half.
8
Update Update
Foul committed by Marc Guéhi of England.
7
Corner Corner
Corner awarded to England after Alexis Mac Allister concedes.
6
Update Update
Foul committed by Giuliano Simeone of Argentina.
6
Update Update
Elliot Anderson wins a free kick for England in the defensive half.
3
Update Update
Elliot Anderson wins a free kick for England in the attacking half.
3
Update Update
Enzo Fernández commits a foul for Argentina.
2
Update Update
Leandro Paredes commits a foul for Argentina.
2
Update Update
Jude Bellingham from England is awarded a free kick in the defensive half.
1
Update Update
Kick-off! The referee is Ismail Elfath.

CONCLUSION

Argentina's higher possession and xG output translated directly into the 1-2 win over England following a scoreless opening period. The match demonstrated clear alignment between expected goals and actual results without interference from dismissals. England's lower share of the ball at 36 percent limited their opportunities despite the home setting. The significant deviation noted for the away side reflected their dominance in key metrics. Overall the game progressed without second-half adjustments that changed the established pattern. This result reinforced the pre-existing team hierarchy on the day.