With the second semi-final set to kick off soon, it would be a good idea to talk about what a combined XI would look like. England and Argentina both boast their fair share of talent, but lack options in several positions (often the same ones), making a lineup like this especially challenging. Still, here is what we’ve got.
Note: The goal of making this XI is to have a plausible lineup that could actually work. So you won’t see six attacking players and zero midfielders included just to see more talent
on the pitch. Even so, changes have been made and some liberties taken to get certain players on the pitch at the same time.
Attack
What a nightmare. Selecting three or four attackers from this bunch is a harrowing experience. There are two schools of thought, neither of which will satisfy everyone. So here are both of the options:
One: Positions? Who cares about them?
This orientation puts all the best players on each team on the pitch, without regard for how they fit together or how they should function.
Harry Kane (England) leads the lineup no matter what, with Leo Messi (Argentina) next to him in a two-striker formation. Joining them should be Julián Alvarez (Argentina) and Jude Bellingham (England). Now Alvarez is a striker and Bellingham is an AM, how does that work? Well it doesn’t. In an actual game, a lineup like this would collapse under its own weight. But it does cram the most talent onto the pitch at the same time.
Two: Someone won’t be happy
In a more realistic setup, you would have Kane and Messi up top as co-strikers, with two wingers on either side of them. Anthony Gordon (England) has been a solid pick for England on the left wing, and his defensive work rate gives him the edge over other potential candidates.
Joining him should be Bukayo Saka (England). The Arsenal star is not at his best and hasn’t been for some time now, but but still has plenty to offer on the right wing. Having proper wide options would give Kane and Messi some actual space to operate in, which is exactly what they need to cause havoc.
Midfield
Central midfield: Rodrigo De Paul (Argentina)
You can’t have a lineup with Messi in it and not include the guy who does all his dirty work. In any other context, another midfielder would be chosen over him. In this one, he gets the nod because Messi has effectively 0 work rate and a team can’t carry him without a dedicated support. De Paul is that guy.
Defensive midfield: Declan Rice (England)
Coming off an excellent season with Arsenal, Declan Rice is perhaps the best defensive midfielder in the world right now. He would make the perfect candidate to anchor the spine of this XI, which is arguably just as important as anything Kane or Messi can contribute.
Defense
Left-back: Nicolás Tagliafico (Argentina)
Tagliafico is not the best LB in the world, but he edges out his competition thanks to solid performances in the World Cup so far. England stars Nico O’Reilly or Djed Spence would offer more offensive options to a coach, but you have to assume an XI with both Harry Kane and Leo Messi would be well equipped in the offense department.
Central defense: Cristian Romero (Argentina) and Ezri Konsa (England)
Throughout the tournament, Ezri Konsa has been a mainstay in the English defense, beating out names such as John Stones and Jarell Quansah. His partner Marc Guéhi was also worth considering, but ultimately Konsa has proven more consistent at the national team level.
Pairing him is Tottenham Hotspur captain Crisitan Romero. Despite his penchant for red cards at the club level, he has been stalwart for Argentina on the international stage.
Right-back: Reece James (England)
He’s injured right now, but when fit, Reece James is the best right-back that these two squads have to offer. Solidly technical and balanced on offense and defense, his presence provides a strong foundation to the right wing. It is a wonder what his career could have been if not for the persistent injuries.
Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martínez (Argentina)
A former World Cup winner, Martínez is not well-liked, but his shot-stopping must be respected. Jordan Pickford is no slouch himself, boasting excellent command of his box in addition to excellent shot-stopping capabilities, but Martínez edges him out for this one. YMMV.
Coach
Thomas Tuchel (England)
Yes, Scaloni won a World Cup, but Argentina have been far from convincing in this tournament. You could argue that without the best player in the history of the sport plus some fortunate refereeing, they would have been sent packing already.
In Tuchel, England have a coach who can actually make a difference. Yes, he was a complete failure at Bayern Munich. Yes, his tactical approach is somewhat negative and defensive. Still, he knows when to make tactical changes, and he has a knack for motivating players (for a short while, before he burns all bridges with everyone).
In charge of an XI like this, Tuchel won’t play pretty football, but he will win more often than most.
Who would you put in your combined XI? Comment below!
Join the conversation!
Sign up for a user account and get:
- New, improved notifications system!
- Fewer ads
- Create community posts
- Comment on articles, community posts
- Rec comments, community posts
