England vs Argentina Prediction: Betting Tips for the second World Cup semi final

England face Argentina in a blockbuster World Cup semi-final at the Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday night, with a place against Spain in Sunday’s final awaiting the winners. Thomas Tuchel’s side have had to battle through successive knockout matches against Mexico and Norway, while defending champions Argentina have also been pushed hard by Cape Verde, Egypt and Switzerland. Harry Kane has been England’s leading attacking threat throughout the tournament and features in two of our three England vs Argentina betting tips.

Best Bet - Harry Kane To Score Anytime

Harry Kane to score anytime is our best bet for England’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina.

The England captain has scored six goals at the tournament, equalling the record for the most goals scored by an England player at a single major tournament. Kane struck twice against Croatia, added another against Panama, scored a brace against DR Congo and was also on target during England’s dramatic last-16 victory over Mexico.

Kane may have failed to find the net against Norway in the quarter-finals, but that should not be viewed as a major concern. He remains the focal point of England’s attack, is expected to play the full match if required and will take any penalty England are awarded.

Argentina have reached the semi-finals without producing a particularly convincing defensive performance during the knockout rounds. Lionel Scaloni’s team conceded twice against Cape Verde, twice against Egypt and again during their 3-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland.

England should therefore create opportunities, particularly with Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon operating around Kane. The Bayern Munich striker remains one of the best finishers in world football and rarely needs more than one clear opening.

With Kane chasing an outright England major-tournament scoring record and looking to lead his country into a first World Cup final since 1966, HARRY KANE TO SCORE ANYTIME is the standout selection.

Next Best - Over 3.5 Cards

Over 3.5 cards is our next best bet for what promises to be an intense and emotionally charged semi-final.

England and Argentina have one of the most famous rivalries in international football, but the importance of Wednesday’s match is more relevant than anything that happened during their previous World Cup meetings. One mistimed challenge or confrontation could end either nation’s hopes of reaching the final.

England have collected seven yellow cards and one red during the tournament, with Jarell Quansah suspended for this match following his dismissal against Mexico. Argentina have received six yellow cards of their own and have been involved in several physical knockout contests.

Argentina’s midfield is packed with players who are willing to disrupt attacks and contest every loose ball. Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernandez could all be required to stop England’s runners breaking forward, while Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez are naturally aggressive central defenders.

England may also be forced into tactical fouls when Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez and Fernandez find space between the lines. Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson will have significant defensive responsibilities, while England’s full-backs could be exposed whenever Argentina transition quickly.

American referee Ismail Elfath will take charge of the contest. Elfath showed three yellow cards during the Netherlands versus Japan group game and later dismissed Agustin Canobbio during Uruguay’s defeat to Spain.

Four cards is not an especially demanding total for a World Cup semi-final involving two physical teams, making OVER 3.5 CARDS our next best selection.

Longshot: Harry Kane To Score And Assist

Harry Kane to score and assist is our longshot selection for England versus Argentina.

Kane is primarily judged by his goals, but his ability to drop into midfield and create opportunities for England’s other attackers remains an important part of his game. The 32-year-old regularly moves away from the opposing centre-backs before playing passes into the space created behind them.

That movement could be particularly effective against an aggressive Argentina defence. Romero and Lisandro Martinez will want to follow Kane and prevent him from receiving possession, but doing so could create room for Bellingham, Saka or Gordon to attack the penalty area.

Kane has already registered an assist during this World Cup alongside his six goals. He has the passing range to release England’s wide players, while his hold-up play provides Bellingham with opportunities to run beyond him from the number ten position.

There should also be opportunities for Kane to create a goal from a second ball or cutback if England are forced to chase the match. Argentina have conceded five times across their three knockout games and have looked vulnerable whenever opponents have attacked them with numbers.

The scoring element is naturally the more likely half of this selection, with Kane in outstanding form and responsible for penalties. Adding an assist significantly increases the difficulty, but it also produces the bigger price required from a genuine longshot.

For those searching for a higher-priced Kane angle, HARRY KANE TO SCORE AND ASSIST is the pick at a huge 18/1 with William Hill.