World Cup Semi-Final Cheat Sheet: Best bets for England's blockbuster clash with Argentina

England v Argentina Tips and Predictions

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Wednesday, 20:00
Live on BBC

Dave Tindall: Prepare for a long night and late drama

Dave Tindall: In many respects, the two teams are mirroring each other. Both are not convincing for much of the time, they're relying heavily on big moments from star players and have huge reservoirs of heart to draw upon when the going gets tough.

As a result, I believe we're in for a long night.

The Draw is a short price though so I'm going to try a different angle and have a punt on either team to win the game in extra time.

The appeal is that both sides are producing what England are calling 'hero moments' and they're taking place in extra time too.

Often the extra 30 minutes in big tournaments are a drag but Argentina and England have gone into extra-time three times between them in this World Cup and on each occasion they've killed it off with a winner (Argentina twice, England once).

Ste Tudor: Back 26/127.00 Three Lions Bet Builder

Ste Tudor: Should England prevail - and reach their first World Cup final since you know when - it is critical that Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane both come to the fore, as they have done several times over this summer.

The latter was somewhat unjustly criticised for his display vs Norway but he still registered two shots on target, the 11th time he has posted multiple numbers in this regard in his last 18 international outings.

His passing was off, that's all. It happens.

Here he comes up against his former Spurs team-mate Cristian Romero, a player he arguably has the measure of.

Bellingham meanwhile is fancied to register a headed shot on target, having already done so three times to this juncture. England have had 24 headed attempts at the World Cup, more than any other team.

Lastly, fitness permitting, we can surely expect Bukayo Saka to make his third start in the tournament, especially after Noni Madueke disappointed last time out.

In addition to his assist record - racking up three so far - the Arsenal winger's work-rate will be invaluable combatting a flank where Argentina are strongest.

Saka has won 10 tackles in his last four England appearances, one every 23 minutes.

Now read our latest Golden Boot updates as the big names shine

Alan Shearer: England can edge an amazing game

Alan Shearer: England can definitely make the final without a doubt. It's because I do think Argentina concede goals and we will score. So, I'm going to go for an amazing game with England 3-2 to win. Bellingham and Kane to get our goals. They are our big hitters.

My team to play against Argentina would be: Pickford, James, Stones, Guehi, O'Reilly, Rice, Anderson, Bellingham, Saka, Kane, Gordon.

Lewis Jones' Notebook: Bellingham on verge of greatness

Lewis Jones: Five of Jude Bellingham's six goals this summer have either brought England level or put them in front. These aren't consolation strikes or goals in dead rubbers. They're interventions. They change matches. They win knockout football.

Yes, the outright markets have cottoned on. Going from 20/121.00 to 7/24.50 for the Golden Ball tells its own story. But the player markets still feel a touch behind the curve.

Bellingham is still 16/54.20 to score in the semi-final.

Really?

Given the role he's playing, the confidence coursing through him, the licence he has to arrive in the penalty area and his habit of delivering when England need him most, that's not a price I'd be rushing to lay if I were trading the game.

In a World Cup full of superstars, Bellingham may just be sitting at the very top of the tree.

Jimmy The Punt: Bellingham Booking

Jimmy The Punt: I think Bellingham's price to be shown a card is also worth a tout. He was one of a few England players who ran the risk of suspension for the semi-final. He avoided a booking against Norway, now the slate has been wiped clean. 

He was on his best behaviour in the quarters pulling out of risky tackles and minding his language, something his mother Denise had been drilling into him all week.

Against Argentina, he'll have his edge back - which will be crucial as the South Americans will be on their worst, most provocative behaviour. 

Bellingham picked up nine cards for the Three Lions (0.21 cards per 90), all of which have come across his last 32 appearances (0.32 cards per 90). 

Interestingly, he's played nine knock-out games at major tournaments and been carded in a third of them, which includes his last semi-final appearance at the 2024 Euros. 

Andy Robson: Bellingham and Kane feature in 7/24.50 ACCA

Andy Robson: Bellingham has been sensational for England this World Cup, scoring twice in the quarter-final win over Norway.

Bellingham has taken 17 shots across his six starts at the World Cup (2.97 per 90), seeing 11 of those efforts find the target (1.92 per 90). 

He's scored six goals from those attempts, which is the joint-most in the England squad, alongside Harry Kane. 

Opta Stats: Back Two Lions to roar again at 7/18.00

Paul Higham: At this tournament, England duo Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have both netted six goals each, it's the first time in competition history that any side has seen two of their players hit 6+ goals at the same edition.

Notable winners on Betting.Betfair at the World Cup

- Mark Stinchcombe's stunning 38/1 Bet Builder in South Korea v Czechia
- Paul Higham's 9/2 Bet Builder in Mexico's MD1 defeat of South Africa
- A 6/1 winning ACCA for Mark on Sunday at the World Cup
- Andy Robson's 9/1 five-leg ACCA as Germany wallop Curacao
- An 11/2 winner for Jimmy The Punt as Jonathan David scores 2+ goals
- Jack Critchley delivered a 5/1 goalscorer treble on day 13
- Japan score but lose to give Paul Higham a 3/1 winner
- France and Norway help Andy Robson land a 9/2 ACCA
- A Lucas Bergvall fouls frenzy v France secures 9/2 winner for Jimmy
- Jack bagged four out of four winners in MD21 including an 11/2 ACCA
- Andy Robson secured a 4/1 last 16 ACCA winner
- A full house of winning tips and an 11/2 ACCA to boot for Mark
- Loads of Messi shots and fouls won mean a 4/1 winner for Paul
- Shootout joy as Kev Hatchard lands 4/1 winner in Australia v Egypt
- Both 4/15.00 and 7/2 quarter-final winners for Paul Higham

Now read our guide to how England could reach the World Cup Final