England and Argentina will meet for the first time since 2005 when they square off in a highly-anticipated World Cup semifinal, with kickoff in Atlanta scheduled for Wednesday, July 15, at 3 p.m. ET.
These two teams have combined to provide several significant World Cup moments, including Diego Maradona scoring the famed “Hand of God" goal against England in the 1986 quarterfinals and David Beckham being shown a straight red card in the 1998 round of 16.
Incredibly, this match will be Lionel Messi’s first-ever game against England, and the two nations’ first World Cup meeting since Beckham got his revenge with a penalty kick goal in a 1-0 victory over Argentina in 2002.
To prepare for this World Cup semifinal matchup, let’s examine the latest odds and make some England vs Argentina predictions.
England vs Argentina Odds
All soccer odds used for these England vs Argentina predictions are current as of Monday, July 13, and courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
- To Advance: England (-140) / Argentina (+110)
- Moneyline (90 Mins): England (+160) / Draw (+195) / Argentina (+205)
- Spread (90 Mins): England -0.5 (+150) / Argentina +0.5 (-195)
- Over/Under (90 Mins): Over 2.5 Goals (+130) / Under 2.5 Goals (-160)
England vs Argentina Predictions
Score Prediction: England 2, Argentina 2 (England win 4-3 on penalties)
This matchup is particularly interesting because both teams have yet to find their best form in this tournament. Still, they continue to advance thanks to a dogged determination and some heroic individual efforts.
England needed a spectacular late brace from Harry Kane to outlast DR Congo 2-1 in the round of 16 before Jude Bellingham took center stage with two-goal performances against Mexico and Norway to help the Three Lions to a first World Cup semifinal since 2018.
Argentina has also lumbered through the knockout rounds, with a Lionel Messi-inspired 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt sandwiched between extra-time wins against Cabo Verde and Switzerland.
While it’s hard to pick against the defending champions, I think England edge it.
England vs Argentina Best Bets
Both Teams to Score: Yes (-125)
I’m backing both teams to score in regulation as my soccer bet of the day for England vs Argentina.
The strength of both teams lies in attack. England has Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham (six goals each), while Argentina is the highest-scoring team in the tournament (17 goals), eight of which have come from Messi, the World Cup’s all-time leading goalscorer.
Their defenses have been a bit more shaky, as both sides have conceded six goals in the tournament, several more than fellow semifinalists Spain (one) and France (two).
This wager has hit in all six of the knockout games involving these teams, so I’m banking on another back-and-forth game between two evenly-matched opponents.
England to Advance (-140) vs Argentina
England has some issues with squad fitness, as Arsenal stars Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice are clearly carrying injuries they’ll have to manage at the conclusion of the World Cup.
However, I think it has enough depth and star power to match this version of Argentina, which still relies heavily on a 39-year-old Lionel Messi.
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La Albiceleste have struggled in the knockout rounds despite a relatively favorable draw, with Switzerland ranking as Argentina’s toughest opponent to date.
Meanwhile, England has already overcome World Cup co-hosts Mexico at the high-altitude Azteca with 10 men, and defeated similarly strong teams in Croatia and Norway.
After overcoming those obstacles, I’m backing the Three Lions to knock out the defending champions and advance to their first World Cup Final since 1966.
