Two old enemies clash in a tantalising World Cup semi-final when England take on Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday night.
Argentina are aiming to reach their second World Cup final in a row and continue their quest for a successful title defence, while England bid to reach the last two for the first time since 1966, following 60 years of hurt.
We have a four-leg bet builder for this semi-final, which pays out at odds of 12/1.
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England vs Argentina bet builder tips
- Jude Bellingham anytime goalscorer
- Both teams to score
- Over 2.5 goals
- Argentina to score first
- Was 12/1 now boosted to 14/1
Bellingham brilliance likely again
England have not been at their brilliant best at this World Cup, but Jude Bellingham has undoubtedly been the Three Lions’ shining light this tournament.
Bellingham, who was not even a guaranteed starter by Thomas Tuchel before the World Cup began, has been simply magnificent. He boasts the same record as England’s frontman Harry Kane, with six goals and an assist.
In the big moments in the knockout stages, Bellingham has come up clutch, too. His two goals against Mexico were key in an Estadio Azteca epic in their 3-2 round of 16 triumph, but he took it to another level against Norway.
Bellingham’s brace saved England’s blushes by overturning a 1-0 deficit, and it is highly likely that, without him, England’s World Cup journey would be over.
This has been a tournament of all tournaments for Bellingham and Argentina have not yet faced the threat that he – or Kane – possesses.
Taking him to score anytime can get this bet builder rolling.
Goals aplenty for both sides
It is fair to say both sides’ runs have featured plenty of goalscoring drama, which may not stop in the semi-final.
If England has had any notable weakness this tournament, it has been their defence, which has been plagued by an injury crisis at right-back and suspension for Jarrell Quansah.
They have conceded in each of their knockout games, and all of them have featured three or more goals, but Argentina’s defence has arguably looked worse.
Their knockout matches have featured five goals on two occasions when they were put to the test against Cape Verde and Egypt, while it took them until extra-time to squeeze past 10-man Switzerland 3-1.
Add to the mix the magnitude of this game in Atlanta and the rivalry between the two nations, and this match is certainly set to be played on the front foot.
With their leaky defences and attacking threats, both teams to net in a high-scoring affair looks set, with both sides tipped to score in a fixture featuring over 2.5 goals.
Argentina to be on the front foot
Another of England’s issues has been slow starts to matches, and Argentina may capitalise.
Thomas Tuchel’s side found themselves behind against both DR Congo and Norway in the first halves of their matches before turning their fortunes around.
They were incredibly sluggish until the first hydration break against DR Congo.
Bar their major scare against Egypt, Argentina took the lead in their other two knockout games, striking in the opening halves against Cape Verde and Switzerland.
Irrespective of whether England fight back, the script could be set for Argentina to strike first.
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