The World Cup is finally here, and the neds blog is your ultimate destination for daily World Cup tips on all the biggest matches. From the opening Group Stage clashes to the drama of the Knockout Rounds and all the way to the Final World Cup showdown, we’ve got you covered every step of the way. Expect expert insight, informed predictions, and a few bold calls along the journey. Be sure to check in each day to see who our football expert is tipping to come out on top and stay one step ahead throughout the tournament.
World Cup Semi-Finals Tips
England vs Argentina Predictions – Semi-Finals (Match 2)
Decades of heartbreak will be impossible to ignore on Thursday, as England look to book a spot in a World Cup final for the first time since 1966.
Standing in their way is an Argentina side that has looked every bit the tournament heavyweight over the past month, most recently showing their class and composure with a stunning comeback win over Egypt after falling two goals behind.
The Harry Kane vs Lionel Messi storyline has been picked apart all week, but this semi-final could be decided by whether England can make full use of their width. Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden loom as key outlets, with their ability to stretch Argentina’s backline potentially opening up the space Kane needs to operate in dangerous areas.
Argentina, meanwhile, are happy to take the air out of the game. They like to control possession, slow the tempo, and wait for Messi to drift into that pocket of space where he can pick the right pass or produce the killer moment himself. As they’ve already shown, Argentina can flick the switch quickly, so England can’t afford any loose moments defensively.
That said, England have the pace and directness to make Argentina uncomfortable and force them into a more open contest than they’d like. Egypt gave them problems early last week, and England have the tools to ask similar questions for longer periods.
This Three Lions side does feel different to versions of the past. It won’t all be pretty, and there’s every chance this turns into a grind at stages, but it’s not hard to see why the market is siding with England.
Prediction: England to Win @ $1.83
Value: Over 2.5 Goals @ $2.25
Player Pick: Harry Kane 2+ Shots on Target @ $2.05