On 15 July, England will face one of their most historic rivals, Argentina, in the WC2026 semi-final. Arsenal players play an important role in Thomas Tuchel’s team and are ready to help the Three Lions achieve a historic success. Licensed brand 1xBet Ireland explains England’s chances of winning and has prepared an interesting offer for new users. With promo code 1XWC26, sports players receive €48 free bets instead of €40, while casino players get a boosted first-deposit bonus of up to €390 instead of €300.
How England reached the semi-final and what role Arsenal players played
Despite almost perfect statistics (5 wins, 1 draw), England faced major challenges throughout the 2026 World Football Forum. The team often had to show character to turn matches in their favour. The knockout stage was especially difficult, but those battles strengthened the Three Lions’ fighting spirit.
The team’s main mental leaders at the tournament are Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, who have repeatedly scored decisive goals. The attacking performances of the duo not only helped England secure important victories but also left a mark on World Championship history — for the first time, two players from the same country have scored six goals each at a single tournament.
The success of the Three Lions would not have been possible without Arsenal players. Declan Rice previously represented Ireland at youth and senior levels, even earning three caps for the senior national team, but today he is one of England’s key players. Unfortunately, in the quarter-final against Norway, the midfielder played only the first half. According to Thomas Tuchel, Declan was almost confined to bed during the final three days before the match due to a high fever after suffering a stomach infection. Now the manager hopes Rice can regain his fitness for the clash with Argentina, as the team needs his ability to control possession, deliver set pieces and dictate the tempo of the game.
Important players for England are also Arsenal’s right wingers Noni Madueke and Bukayo Saka. Noni is one of the team’s leaders in created goalscoring chances and average key passes. Moreover, he was the player who won the penalty against Croatia, allowing the Three Lions to score their opening goal of the tournament. Saka has started only two matches, but that has not stopped him from becoming one of the best assist providers at the tournament. His assists played a crucial role in victories against Croatia, Panama and Mexico.
Eberechi Eze has also contributed to England’s success. Tuchel regularly brings the Arsenal midfielder on as a substitute to add fresh energy to the team in the second half. Eze has yet to register a goal contribution at the tournament, but perhaps his appearance could become a decisive factor against Argentina.
Previous meetings between the teams
After the Falklands War in 1982, the rivalry with Argentina gained special significance for England. Four years after the conflict, the teams met in the World Championship quarter-final. In that match, Diego Maradona secured a 2-1 victory for Argentina thanks to the famous “Hand of God” and “Goal of the Century”. The result had a major impact on England and made the rivalry even more intense.
The teams’ next meetings at major international tournaments were also filled with drama. In the 1998 match, England played almost the entire second half with ten men after David Beckham was sent off following a confrontation with Diego Simeone, before losing on penalties. However, four years later, the Three Lions gained revenge — Beckham redeemed himself in the eyes of millions of fans by scoring the winning penalty.
Since then, the teams have met only once, in a friendly match in 2005. England won again, showing incredible determination. Until the 87th minute, they were losing 2-1, but a Michael Owen brace turned the game completely around.
Who is the favourite?
1xBet Ireland experts estimate the probability of a Three Lions victory at odds of 1703/1000. The draw is priced at 52/25, while Argentina’s victory is available at 423/200.
Odds might change eventually
England need just one more step to secure their first appearance in the final of the main football tournament since 1966. Support the team and Arsenal players together with 1xBet Ireland!
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