World Cup Wednesday Tipsheet: Back England's star men in 75/1 bet builder v Argentina

England v Argentina - Chaotic clash expected

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Wednesday, 20:00
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FIFA dreams have become reality. The seeded system has prevailed and now 1, 2, 3 and 4 in their rankings duel in the semi-finals. 

Whilst the European pair on the other side of the draw made this stage in a controlled and composed fashion, Argentina and England's respective routes to the semis have been chaotic. 

The South Americans needed extra time to beat Cape Verde, edging a five goal thriller. In the round of 16, they were trailing 2-0 to Egypt with a little over 10 minutes to go but scored three goals in the closing stages to edge another five goal thriller.

Lionel Scaloni's side were on the ropes against Switzerland in the quarters, drawing 1-1 before Breel Embolo was sent off. Argentina went on to win 3-1 in extra time.

Opponents England were 1-0 down and heading towards an embarrassing round of 32 exit at the hands of DR Congo. A Harry Kane brace in the final 15 minutes spared their blushes. 

It was back to the wall stuff at the Azteca in the next round. Playing 36 minutes with 10 men, England held on to win 3-2. 

It went to extra time against Norway in the quarters where Thomas Tuchel's men needed to come from behind. 

So, expect a topsy-turvy, full blooded affair in this semi-final as two old foes battle it out in Atlanta. 

Hey Jude

I know this talk is tired, but it's unbelievable that there was clamour to leave Jude Bellingham at home this summer. 

His match-winning brace against Norway, which followed his double against Mexico, made him the latest of only five players to score in back-to-back World Cup knock-out games. 

It's a list which also features Argentina's Diego Marradona, although all Jude's goals were legal. 

Bellingham's now up to six goals at the tournament, level with his strike partner Harry Kane, and two off the Golden Boot pace set by Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi. 

He's into 33/134.00 to win the Golden Boot and 4/15.00 to win the Golden Ball, having been significantly longer in both markets heading into the Norway clash. 

The way his relationship with Kane has developed in the past couple of games is really interesting. 

Their opposing styles complement each other, but it's clicked recently. 

Kane describes himself as a nine and a half, meaning he's a hybrid between an out-and-out forward and a number 10. Bellingham loves crashing the box, with a real poachers instinct. 

In the past two games, Bellingham has had twice as many shots as Kane (8-4) and scored four goals to Kane's one. 

That's not all. Bellingham registered at least one key pass (pass leading to shot) in all of his first four appearances and got an assist, he's registered none in his last two.

Kane didn't register a single key pass in half of his first four games but has done two in his last two, setting up a goal as well.

Given his goal-scoring pedigree, Kane's a shorter price to score anytime against Argentina, but given the pair's recent form, I think Bellingham has to be the bet at 3/14.00 to score anytime and to score 2+ goals at an industry best price of 25/126.00.

Kane to turn provider at 13/27.50

By the same token, the 13/27.50 with the Sportsbook about a Kane assist also appeals. 

He's made two key passes in his last two appearances, setting up Bellingham's quickfire second against Mexico. 

Kane has 16 assists for the Three Lions (0.15 per 90) which makes this price value. 

It is worth noting only four of those have come in major tournaments, but those four have all come in the 2026 and '22 World Cup across 11 appearances. 

Bellingham Booking

At an industry best 7/24.50, 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. 

Naturally, combining Bellingham to score anytime and be shown a card appeals at 15/116.00. 

Jimmy's 75/176.00 England v Argentina Bet Builder

I've put three of my best bets together in a 75/176.00, industry best Bet Builder for this semi-final. If you bet £10 on this, you can take advantage of our Bet £10 Get £10 on ACCAs or Bet Builders offer, which is available throughout the World Cup.

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