Reigning world champions Argentina are on the verge of reaching another World Cup final. Lionel Scaloni’s team will be one win away from lifting the trophy for the second time in a row if they defeat England in Wednesday night’s semi-final. The Argentina coach is therefore carefully planning his strategy for this crucial match.
Argentina dominated the group stage of this World Cup but have struggled somewhat in the knockout rounds, needing extra time in two matches. As a result, Scaloni is placing special emphasis on five key factors when deciding his starting eleven against England, according to a report by the Argentine outlet Olé:
1. Restoring Balance in Defense
Argentina have always favored attacking football — their natural style is to control the match and keep the opposition under pressure. However, that familiar rhythm has been somewhat lacking in this year’s World Cup knockout matches. As the defense has grown loose, opposing teams have created chance after chance and scored goals. So, against England’s powerful attack, the main priority now is to organize and strengthen the defense.
2. Controlling Nerves, Not Emotions
The match against England carries extra emotional weight for Argentina, and that excitement is evident within the squad. However, Scaloni believes there’s no need for the players to become overexcited; rather, if they can reduce the added pressure and anxiety and play their normal game, their chances of success will increase.
3. Containing Bellingham and Kane
England typically play in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Jude Bellingham exploiting space behind midfield while Harry Kane occupies the centre-backs and creates attacking opportunities.
Scaloni’s biggest concern now is how to neutralize these two stars. Switching to a 5-3-2 formation or altering the starting eleven are both options under consideration — and it’s believed the lineup that played against Switzerland will not remain unchanged.
4. Giving Messi Better Support
Argentina captain Lionel Messi is in outstanding form at this World Cup, sitting second in the race for the Golden Boot with 8 goals and 2 assists. Argentina have scored crucial goals through Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez and set-pieces as well.
However, Scaloni wants the midfield to take firmer control of the match. He wants his midfielders to dictate the pace of the game and deliver the ball to Messi in more dangerous positions, making him an even bigger threat to the opposition.
5. Sharpening One-on-One Dribbling
Although Argentina have shown excellent passing throughout the tournament, they have been slightly less effective in one area: breaking through and penetrating the opponent’s defense via one-on-one dribbling — a long-standing hallmark of Argentine football.
There have been glimpses of this at the current World Cup, such as José López’s ability to deceive defenders and create space, Messi’s goal from Nico González’s cross following Alexis Mac Allister’s shot, and the dangerous free-kicks Messi has won through his own dribbling.
So, against England, Argentina will once again look to rely on individual skill and creativity.
