Thomas Tuchel’s side must neutralise the Argentine threat in the World Cup semi‑final on Wednesday, a match steeped in history and high stakes. Opta gives England a 52.9% chance of reaching the final, while only 22.6% of becoming champions.

The clash of wills: Jude Bellingham, in an advanced No 10 role, has already scored twice in consecutive matches, his six‑goal tally making him England’s most explosive threat. Lionel Messi, 39, leads Argentina’s 17‑goal haul and shares the Golden Boot with Kylian Mbappé.

Argentina’s shape is unusually narrow; their wide players sit closer to midfield, offering England’s full‑backs room to advance. Set‑pieces are a battleground: both teams are top in corners, with England’s aerial dominance tested by Messi’s precision deliveries.

Midfield will be pivotal. Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul and Leandro Paredes overload central zones, forcing Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson to rely on Bellingham, Kane and the full‑backs. Messi’s low running distance belies his explosive impact.