England remain on course to win their first major title for 60 years but next face the huge test that is a Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina, who are of course the current world champions.
It was 40 years ago when a Diego Maradona-inspired Argentina broke England’s hearts at a World Cup and the Three Lions will be determined not to let Lionel Messi produce a similar performance in Atlanta on Wednesday.
The old foes meet in the semi-finals and a cagey encounter looks likely with the final one step away.
The two teams had to endure a punishing spell of extra time in sweltering conditions to get through their respective quarter-finals and that may have taken plenty out of the legs ahead of this clash.
Fatigue is sure to play a part in this late stage of the competition and with so much at stake a tense tussle is expected.
It is an intriguing contest between two unbeaten teams at this World Cup, and we’ve analysed the stats and browsed the World Cup betting markets for a bet builder which, if successful, returns odds of around 14/1 with Betway.
England v Argentina bet builder tips
- Draw @ 19/10
- Under 2.5 goals @ 8/13
- Jude Bellingham two or more shots on target @ 13/5
Pays out at 14/1
Old foes to stand firm
Three of the past five meetings between England and Argentina have finished in a draw and that looks a lively runner in this encounter.
Both sides will be well aware of the need to shut down their opposition attacks with so much talent on either side, and that may see a cagey contest play out again.
England’s last two knockout matches have needed a period of extra time, while Switzerland forced Argentina into an extra 30 minutes of their quarter-final on Saturday.
It would be no surprise to see this clash in Atlanta go the distance too.
Leg 1: Draw @ 19/10
Attacks may be stifled
Two of the past three meetings between England and Argentina have featured under 2.5 goals and that looks a solid second leg in what could be a tense affair.
Going low of three goals in a match featuring Harry Kane and Lionel Messi, among others, takes a leap of faith, but such a high-stakes encounter may fail to light up.
Defences could dominate so going low of three goals may not be quite a stretch.
Argentina have scored exactly three goals in five of their six matches at this World Cup but England look well-equipped to stifle the defending champions.
Leg 2: Under 2.5 goals @ 8/13
Jude hitting right notes
Harry Kane started the tournament as England’s main attacking weapon but the Three Lions’ skipper has been overshadowed by Jude Bellingham in the past two matches.
Bellingham scored two goals in both wins over Norway and Mexico and he should be backed to put the pressure on Argentina by having at least two shots on target.
Argentina will focus mainly on keeping Kane quiet and Bellingham can take advantage by timing his runs into the box again to great effect, just as he did in the last two outings.
Leg 3: Jude Bellingham two or more shots on target @ 13/5
