England

vs

Argentina

Preview

England

• England have won seven of their last 10 games and conceded just eight in the same period.
• Thomas Tuchel's England arrive in good form after four wins and a draw in their last five matches across all competitions.

Argentina

• Argentina have won their last 10 matches in all competitions and conceded just seven goals in this period.
• Lionel Scaloni's Argentina are unbeaten since he took charge on 2 August 2018 and are a perfect 10 from 10 this year in all competitions.

Key Players

• Jude Bellingham has been England's spark plug in the knockout stages, scoring four goals in three games at this FIFA World Cup.
• Lionel Messi is an end-product as well as a creator.

Betting Insights

• The match result market prices read England ~2.5, Argentina ~2.88 and draw ~3.2.
• Argentina have conceded seven times in 10 games this year - so the smart angle, given the odds and knockout-stage nerves, is Under 2.5 goals at 1.67 and Both Teams to Score at 1.85.

Prediction

• World heavyweights square off in Atlanta Stadium.
• This should be a chess match between Tuchel's tempo and Scaloni's control with the midfield battle likely to determine who gets the better of the clean chances.
• I'm taking Messi for a 1X2 bet as Argentina have that ace in the game and could need him to win this one.