Predicting England's World Cup starting XI for historic Argentina semi-final match

Standing in the way of the Three Lions reaching their first World Cup final since 1966 are arch-rivals Argentina, who will be looking to retain the trophy. 

There will be concerns about whether the England players have enough in the legs after an energy-sapping performance in a humid Miami, but surely the fact they are two wins away from making history is enough of a motivator to produce the best possible performance on the pitch. 

Ahead of kick-off at the Atlanta Stadium, DAZN News predicts England's starting XI for tonight's match against Argentina. 

GOALKEEPER: Jordan Pickford

Jordan Pickford starting for England is one of the certainties. 

Depth chart: Dean Henderson, James Trafford

RIGHT BACK: Reece James

After returning from the bench against Norway and avoiding any injury issues, Reece James will likely start at right back. 

Argentina's fullback areas are an area of weakness, and James is the best player to exploit that. 

Back-up Jarell Quansah will still be serving his two-match ban for this fixture, so depth in this position is an issue. 

Depth chart: Ezri Konsa, Djed Spence

CENTRE BACKS: Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa

As long as James is fit to start, John Stones will likely drop to the bench with Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa reestablishing their partnership in the centre of England's defence. 

Depth chart: John Stones, Dan Burn, Trevoh Chalobah

LEFT BACK: Nico O'Reilly 

Nico O'Reilly has been a mainstay at left back during this tournament, so don't expect a change for tonight's semi-final. 

Depth chart: Djed Spence

---

World Cup penalties

Relive some of the most dramatic shoot-outs

---

CENTRAL MIDFIELD: Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson 

Manager Thomas Tuchel will be hoping he can start his preferred central midfield pairing of Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson. 

There are concerns about Rice's fitness. Before the Norway game, Rice was dealing with a stomach bug, and while he did start, the Arsenal player struggled and was taken off at halftime. 

England will make a late call on whether Rice is fit, but if he is unable to start, expect Jude Bellingham to be sitting alongside Anderson in midfield. 

Depth chart: Kobbie Mainoo

RIGHT WING: Bukayo Saka

When it comes to the latter stages of a major tournament, the players in the best run of form need to start, and unfortunately, that is not Noni Madueke who struggled against Norway. 

As a result, he will be replaced by Arsenal teammate Bukayo Saka. 

Depth chart: Noni Madueke, Marcus Rashford

ATTACKING MIDFIELD/NUMBER 10: Jude Bellingham

This World Cup is Bellingham's playground and he will be starting, no questions asked. 

However, if he is having to fill in for Rice, then Morgan Rogers will likely be slotted into the number 10 position, but as has been proven in past games, Bellingham is not as effective when having to play from a deeper position. 

Depth chart: Morgan Rogers

DAZN/FIFA

LEFT WING: Anthony Gordon 

Anthony Gordon has won the battle for England's left wing, and he is the perfect attacking threat. 

As previously mentioned, Argentina do struggle at fullback and Gordon's direct style of play and pace could cause all sorts of problems for the defending champions. 

Depth chart: Marcus Rashford, Eberechi Eze

STRIKER: Harry Kane

No debate, no questions asked, England's captain will lead his team into this emotionally charged match with the hope of reaching a first World Cup final since 1966.

Depth chart: Ollie Watkins, Ivan Toney, Marcus Rashford

Watch World Cup archive, highlights and documentaries for FREE on DAZN

DAZN is the home of FIFA+ , a vast library of football on-demand content including World Cup archive, iconic documentaries, player profiles, live matches and both full match replays and highlights.

Watch it all for FREE on DAZN on smart TVs, phones, tablets, streaming devices, games consoles and web browsers.