England vs Argentina: Bellingham and Messi set for World Cup semi-final showdown

The numbers don't lie, or at least they try not to. Tuchel’s lot clock in with a 52.9 per cent shot at the final. Winning the whole damn thing? A 22.6 per cent chance. This isn't just about who wants it more; it's a tactical slugfest on multiple fronts.

Bellingham. England’s go-to guy up front. He’s bagged two in his last two, hitting six for the tournament. That Real Madrid kid, playing as a rampaging No 10, has finishing confidence that’s driven the Three Lions forward. Across the pitch? Messi. The 39-year-old maestro. He’s dragged Argentina back from the brink, still the tournament's top dog for goals.

Argentina's spread of talent? It’s impressive. Eight different scorers, a total of 17 goals. England, by contrast, rely on just three. Don't write off England's graft, though: they've carved out more chances, shoved more passes into the box. Argentina are the shot-takers, the quick-break merchants.

Now, tactics. Argentina plays with these oddly deep wide players. That's a potential gift for England’s full-backs. Opens up space for them to bomb forward. England, remember, love a wide attack — 74 per cent of their threats come down the flanks. Argentina? All through the middle, all through Messi.

Forget open play for a minute. Set-pieces. That's the real powder keg here. Both sides are corner kings, no doubt. England, though? They own the air. Total aerial dominance. Argentina plays a preferred trick: near-post deliveries. England’s backline will have seen it a hundred times. If they haven’t, they’re in trouble.