Argentina topped Group J and was considered to have a favorable knockout bracket at the World Cup 2026. The defending champions successively faced Cape Verde (ranked 67th by FIFA) in the round of 16, Egypt (29th) in the round of eight, and Switzerland (19th) in the quarterfinals.

However, Argentina experienced three difficult matches. The South American representative defeated Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time, then came from two goals down to win 3-2 against Egypt. In the quarterfinals, they were held to a draw by Switzerland in regular time, deciding the match only in extra time.

Coach Lionel Scaloni during the press conference before Argentina's World Cup 2026 semifinal match against England in Atlanta, England on 14/7. Photo: AP

Ahead of the semifinal against England, Scaloni dismissed the view that Argentina has underperformed since the start of the tournament. "The team is not playing as poorly as many suggest," he said. "We must have done something right to reach the semifinals. I am grateful to the players. Together, they have brought home three titles and now they have led the team to another World Cup semifinal."

Under Scaloni's leadership, Argentina won the World Cup 2022, Copa America 2021 and 2024, and the 2022 Intercontinental Supercup. The 48-year-old coach is not overly concerned by criticism that Argentina has not played up to expectations, focusing only on reaching the World Cup final for the second consecutive time.

"If someone had told me one and a half months ago that Argentina would reach the World Cup semifinals by any means, I would have immediately accepted," he stated. "We are just one step away from the final and will do everything to achieve that. Therefore, I am not too worried about the team's current state. Whether we are tired or not is irrelevant. The entire squad is very excited for the semifinal."

When asked about Argentina facing criticism for singing a chant referencing the Falklands Islands, Scaloni argued that equating football with history is not reasonable. The coach, born in 1978, affirmed that Argentinians always remember those who participated in the war, but this should not affect the approach to the match against England.

Regarding tactics, Scaloni stated he has not finalized Argentina's lineup for the semifinal against England and is considering various options. A recurring question from over 500 reporters observing the team's training at the Atlanta United headquarters was whether the 48-year-old coach would make bold changes to key positions, or even adjust the tactical formation, following unconvincing performances in the knockout rounds.

This hesitation emerged after Scaloni experimented with several approaches during the final training session in Kansas City before traveling to Atlanta. For most of the tactical training, he used a formation with five defenders, where Nicolas Otamendi was deployed in place of Rodrigo De Paul in midfield.

In Atlanta, Scaloni continued his familiar practice of not fully deciding the lineup. He distributed bibs to both regular starters and backup options. Otamendi did not receive a bib, while Nicolas Gonzalez, Giuliano Simeone, and Exequiel Palacios were given them. However, this detail is not a definitive signal. Before the match against Egypt, Leandro Paredes also trained without a bib but later started.

What is certain is that Scaloni was not satisfied with Argentina's performance against Switzerland. After the match, he admitted it was the team's worst game at the World Cup 2026. The joy of victory could not overshadow the issues in their play, prompting the coaching staff to consider adjustments.

Coach Lionel Scaloni observes from the sidelines during Argentina's 3-1 victory over Switzerland in the World Cup 2026 quarterfinals at Kansas City, USA on 11/7. Photo: AP

However, according to La Nacion, making changes is not an easy decision for Scaloni, as the current core has helped Argentina win the World Cup 2022 and two Copa America titles. Even when not at their peak, this remains the foundation that has brought the team success for many years.

If a five-defender formation is chosen, Otamendi is likely to return to the starting lineup, replacing a midfielder, most likely De Paul. However, the Inter Miami midfielder affirmed he is "very excited and motivated to play."

Should he continue with a four-man defense, Scaloni could still make other changes. At right-back, Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel continue to compete for a starting spot after inconsistent performances since the start of the tournament.

Nicolas Gonzalez is an option being considered to increase speed and midfield support, especially on the wings – an area identified as one of England's most dangerous attacking avenues. Giuliano Simeone also has a chance, especially if Scaloni wants to implement a system with wide-ranging wing-backs.

Exequiel Palacios has also re-entered contention. This midfielder performed prominently in pre-World Cup friendlies and nearly started against Algeria when Leandro Paredes was not in optimal physical condition. He was also used at right-back against Jordan when Molina and Montiel lacked full fitness. Currently, Palacios is seen as an option to strengthen the midfield's power and control.

Lionel Messi (left) and Rodrigo De Paul before Argentina's training session at the Atlanta United Training Center, Marietta, Georgia on 14/7. Photo: Reuters

During the first 15 minutes of the open training session for the press, reporters only observed the warm-up. Afterward, the team moved to tactical and set-piece drills in a closed area. Argentina's coaching staff focused on addressing issues that emerged against Switzerland: the team formation occasionally stretched, pressing ability declined, and opponents had too much space to build play through the middle, frequently putting pressure on the central defensive duo of Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez.

Scaloni therefore remains cautious ahead of the match against England. When asked about the decline in play and the possibility of some players being affected by fatigue, he stated that errors had been analyzed and adjusted in recent days, but did not disclose the specific condition of individual players. "We are fine," Scaloni said, while continuing to keep the starting lineup under wraps.

As is his custom, the Argentina coach usually finalizes the lineup the day before the match, informing the players in the evening at the hotel or during the final tactical meeting before the team departs for the stadium. Only then will the experiments of the past week be confirmed for the lineup against England.

Hong Duy (according to La Nacion, ESPN)