Fifa World Cup 2026: The semi-finals are here - France play Spain at 20:00 BST before England face Argentina at 20:00 BST on Wednesday
England will make a late decision on whether Declan Rice is fit to start
See who BBC Sport's writers think should start: John Murray's team | Phil McNulty's team | Alex Howell's team | Neil Johnston's team
Who makes your starting XI? Pick your team and send it to us using the Get Involved button on this page
When the World Cup finishes, the football continues on the BBC
Click 'Get Involved' at the top of this page to have your say
The key is a balanced side all round, with solidity in midfield, and the ability to hit Argentina with pace. Rogers deserves his chance. The rest picks itself if players are fit in my humble opinion. Come on England!
Antony, Bristol
England v Argentina (Wed, 20:00 BST)
Who would have thought 2026 was the year Dan Burn became a national treasure.
The Newcastle United defender has been one of the surprise stars of England's run to the World Cup semi-finals.
Although he has played less than 30 minutes at the tournament, the former Darlington defender has made a handful of contributions - mostly with his head - to the Three Lions' run to the semi-finals.
The 34-year-old impressed in the closing stages of recent wins against Mexico and Norway, with Thomas Tuchel sending Burn on to help his side head, kick and block their way to victory.
It begs the question, then, has Burn done enough to earn him a spot in the starting XI against Argentina on Wednesday night?
After all, the reigning World champions are known for their aggressive and combative nature - a challenge I'm sure Burn would relish.
Image source, Getty ImagesClick 'Get Involved' at the top of this page to have your say
This is not time to bring in Mainoo. I think James or O'Reilly are more likely to fill in the middle for Rice if injured.
Keith, Southampton
I’m reading all the ‘play Mainoo’ comments with a wry smile. Amorim didn’t fancy him and Tuchel is clearly now seeing why. There’s obviously an attitude or cohesion problem with him. That’s in addition to him being slower than a London bus in a two mile tailback!
Neil, Preston
Image source, Getty ImagesClick 'Get Involved' at the top of this page to have your say
If Rice is ill, then it has to be James in central midfield. He's done it this season and World Cup very successfully - plus he can put some heavy tackles on Enzo Fernandez.
Tom, London
Click 'Get Involved' at the top of this page to have your say
Image source, Getty ImagesGot to be Mainoo in for Rice. Mainoo is incredible and the fact he hasn't played a minute, is a joke. Why bring him at all to play Jordan Henderson or Reece James over him?
Chris, London
If Rice isn't 100% but good enough to play some of the game start with him with Mainoo alongside with a plan for Anderson to replace Declan when he runs out of steam. Mainoo is the only other fit player who can fore fill that midfield role.
Steve, Swallowfield
Tuchel didn't bring Mainoo on against Norway, preferring first our only right back, then a 10/winger in Eze. If he doesn't trust Mainoo, that means with Henderson out injured we've only got Rogers as a third central midfielder and then the cupboard is bare. That's worrying.
Rob, Swansea
England v Argentina (Wed, 20:00 BST)
John Murray
BBC football correspondent
The main call here is to leave out Ezri Konsa, which I am not sure Thomas Tuchel will do. But if ever there was a match where the experience of John Stones is required, then this is it. Of course if Reece James is still considered not yet ready to start then Konsa would play again at right-back.
The other big decision is to start Morgan Rogers on the right, which is a position he has played with Aston Villa. I am not sure England have had enough from either Noni Madueke or Bukayo Saka in the wide right position. And despite the word being that Saka is fully fit and free from pain from his ongoing Achilles tendon issue, he has not been firing on all cylinders in the way that we know he can.
Someone other than Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham has got to weigh in with goals and Rogers has the potential to do that.
Rogers was praised by Tuchel for the role he played when he came on in Miami and the manager described him as one of his key players. He has consistently contributed when he has played for England this season, is match sharp and now could be the time to ask him to step up. Plus, Saka and/or Madueke may perhaps be more effective coming on as substitutes.
And of course the other selection proviso depends on whether Declan Rice has fully recovered after being pressed into service against Norway so soon after recovering from being unwell.
England v Argentina (Wed, 20:00 BST)
There have been a few shouts for Eberechi Eze to step in and replace Declan Rice on Wednesday.
After a bit-part role in the United States so far, does Eze have the quality to help the Three Lions beat Argentina?
He would certainly offer a greater attacking threat than Rice.
Image source, Getty ImagesEngland v Argentina (Wed, 20:00 BST)
Neil Johnston
BBC Sport reporter
Stones handled the brutal heat and humidity of Miami well and deserves to keep his place in the starting XI, but Rice has looked a shadow of what we all know he can do.
England need some zip and an injection of pace. Time for Eberechi Eze to step forward and deliver for his country.
James has to start at right-back if fully fit and I'd love to see Rogers face Argentina.
England v Argentina (Wed, 20:00 BST)
Pickford, James, Konsa, Guehi, Spence, Anderson, Rice, Bellingham, Saka, Gordon, Kane
Steve, Ewell
Pickford, James, Stones, Guehi, O'Reilly, Rice, Anderson, Bellingham, Saka, Kane, Gordon. The defence is still a worry, so two holding midfielders is a must, but if one of the midfielders needs to come off, hopefully Tuchel doesn't mess about and just puts our only fit natural midfielder on, Mainoo.
Anders, Liverpool
MY TEAM WOULD BE:- Pickford James Stones Guehi O'reilly Rogers Anderson Saka Bellingham Gordon Kane
Steve, England
England v Argentina (Wed, 20:00 BST)
Alex Howell
BBC Sport England reporter
I would keep the same back four that started the match against Norway.
Konsa provided stability on the right side and James is a high-quality option off the bench.
Providing Saka is fit, I'd start him on the right as his elite decision making is a huge weapon for England.
The rest of the forward line I would keep the same as Kane and Bellingham are on fire and Gordon has started to register assists.
England v Argentina (Wed, 20:00 BST)
My Starting 11: Bellingham, Bellingham, Bellingham, Bellingham, Bellingham, Bellingham, Bellingham, Bellingham, Bellingham, Bellingham & Kane - I might have identified a weakness with Bellingham in goal......!
Mandy, Dorset
Image source, Getty ImagesEngland v Argentina (Wed, 20:00 BST)
Mandy from Dorset has written in with what I suspect will be the most popular England starting XI of all time.
I think it is a team capable of winning the World Cup...
Click 'Get Involved' at the top of this page to have your say
I wouldn't rule out O'Reilly alongside Anderson in the middle, with Spence in at left back to do a job on Messi. Gordon has to start. He will be in our danger man in this game. They play a high line!
Kieran, Cheltenham
Image source, Getty ImagesEngland v Argentina (Wed, 20:00 BST)
Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer
Very tough choice because you have to factor in injuries, injury and illness in Rice's case, and the fact we are now at the sudden-death stage of the World Cup.
Stones' experience will be crucial in such a game so I would partner him with Guehi and start with Konsa at right-back with James having had so little action.
Rice is so important that he has to start if anywhere near fit. I'd go with Saka, who has also had an injury, simply because England have to win and Madueke was disappointing against Norway.
Gordon has impressed, so he is the choice on the left flank.
England v Argentina (Wed, 20:00 BST)
It's clear there are plenty of selection headaches for Thomas Tuchel to contend with tomorrow.
Let's have a look at what our BBC Sport reporters out in the United States think the England manager should do...
England v Argentina (Wed, 20:00 BST)
Image source, Getty ImagesEngland captain Harry Kane, speaking to BBC Sport about Jude Bellingham's best position in midfield: "I think he is good in any of those positions. I think certain games will dictate a little bit differently but he's a great goalscorer so playing as a '10' helps him in that sense in terms of arriving into the box, being higher up and in dangerous goal-scoring positions, kind of like his two goals against Norway - almost like striker goals.
"But also he's so good as an 8 - driving with the ball, defending up and down the pitch and he has that engine of a number 8 so really he is exceptional in both positions.
"I think the games will dictate what suits him more and that's where you rely on the boss and the coaches to get that right."
England v Argentina (Wed, 20:00 BST)
While we're on the topic of Jude Bellingham, the good news is that he won't be banned for the World Cup final if he is booked against Argentina, should England advance to the showpiece in New Jersey.
Bellingham was one of four England players walking a disciplinary tightrope against Norway on Saturday after being booked against DR Congo in the last 32.
But as bookings are wiped after the quarter-finals, it means the Real Madrid midfielder is no longer at risk of missing the Three Lions' first potential World Cup final since 1966 if he is booked against Argentina on Wednesday.
If he is sent off, though, the normal rules will apply and he will be made to serve at least a one-match suspension.
Image source, Getty ImagesEngland v Argentina (Wed, 20:00 BST)
The early responses we've had seem to be in favour of not starting Declan Rice unless he is 100% fit.
I suppose there is no room for passengers in a World Cup semi-final against Argentina, is there?
The obvious replacement would be to bring Morgan Rogers into the starting XI and drop Jude Bellingham deeper.
Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who is yet to play a minute at this summer's tournament, could also deputise for Rice.
Thomas Tuchel also has the wildcard option of selecting Reece James, who played in midfield several times for Chelsea last season.
Click 'Get Involved' at the top of this page to have your say
Image source, Getty ImagesDeclan Rice wears his heart on his sleeve, but he was not well enough to start the quarter-final and it left England short in midfield. I say we play Rogers, who will rotate with Bellingham, and take the game to Argentina. Bring Rice on in the second half to shore up the defence.
John, Chichester
Click 'Get Involved' at the top of this page to have your say
Image source, Getty ImagesAs an Arsenal fan it pains me to say it but if Rice is not 100% then he can't start. Go with both Bellingham and Rogers. The Argentina midfield and defence are not the most mobile so we can run off them if Kane drops off to create space.
Matt, York
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 6 | 9 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 3 |
| |
| 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 6 | -4 | 1 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 3 | 4 | 7 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 6 | -1 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 10 | -8 | 1 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 1 | 6 | 7 |
| |
| 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 7 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 | -3 | 3 |
| |
| 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 8 | -6 | 0 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 4 | 4 | 6 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | -2 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 5 | -2 | 3 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 10 | 4 | 6 | 6 |
| |
| 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 6 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 9 | -8 | 1 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 10 | 4 | 6 | 7 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 12 | -10 | 0 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 2 | 4 | 5 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 5 |
| |
| 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| |
| 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 10 | -6 | 1 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 7 |
| |
| 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| |
| 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 2 |
| |
| 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 5 | -4 | 2 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 2 | 8 | 9 |
| |
| 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 7 | 1 | 6 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 8 | 6 | 2 | 3 |
| |
| 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 12 | -11 | 0 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 1 | 7 | 9 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 7 | -2 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 8 | -5 | 0 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 7 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 5 | 5 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 11 | -9 | 0 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 2 | 4 | 7 |
| |
| 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 6 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 4 | -4 | 0 |
|
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 6 | -1 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 7 | -2 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | -2 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 8 | 6 | 2 | 3 |
| |
| 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 3 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 | -3 | 3 |
| |
| 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 2 |
|
