FIFA World Cup 2026

[ghazi52]

BBC experts pick their England World Cup semi-final XI - do you agree?​

Declan Rice went off at half-time in the quarter-final win over Norway

12 July 2026

England are through to the World Cup semi-finals, where they will play Argentina.

The Three Lions beat Norway 2-1 to reach the last four, with Wednesday's match (20:00 BST) to be shown live on the BBC.

BBC Sport experts have attempted to pick Thomas Tuchel's side for the match below.

Use our selector to choose your starting XI and comment your thoughts below.

John Murray (BBC Radio 5 Live senior commentator)​

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.

 

[Salza]

Rare occasion when most of the world backing England against Argentina game

 

[Mobius]

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[Yommie]

Argentina vs England promo

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[baqai]

Rare occasion when most of the world backing England against Argentina game

never thought this day will come but yes from my side lol Argentina can rott in hell after how they won against Egypt, by the way i think even Norway vs England had it's EH? moments, i am sure Haaland was feeling bad after that foul

 

[Watandar]

Netherlands lost to Morocco and now one of their referees who was denied a World Cup game also passed away. Sad.

Rob Dieperink: Dutch referee dies aged 38, weeks after being dropped from World Cup

Dutch football referee Rob Dieperink dies aged 38, weeks after he was dropped from officiating at the World Cup because of a police investigation in the UK.

www.bbc.com

 

[AZ_HighCountry]

Netherlands lost to Morocco and now one of their referees who was denied a World Cup game also passed away. Sad.

Rob Dieperink: Dutch referee dies aged 38, weeks after being dropped from World Cup

Dutch football referee Rob Dieperink dies aged 38, weeks after he was dropped from officiating at the World Cup because of a police investigation in the UK.

www.bbc.com

A South African player has been murdered as well.