England and Argentina will go head-to-head in a blockbuster World Cup semi-final at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Wednesday (21:00 CEST), with a place in the 2026 final at stake.

Both sides arrive in prolific goalscoring form. England have found the net 13 times on their route to the last four, while Argentina have scored 16 goals over the course of the tournament.

England's attacking threat is often associated with the wealth of talent in Thomas Tuchel's squad, including Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke. Argentina, meanwhile, are frequently viewed through the lens of Lionel Messi's brilliance. The reality, however, tells a different story for both teams.

England's run to the semi-finals has been driven almost entirely by Kane and Bellingham. The Bayern Munich striker and Real Madrid midfielder have combined for 12 of the Three Lions' 13 goals at the tournament, scoring six apiece, with Marcus Rashford accounting for the remaining goal.

Messi has undoubtedly been Argentina's captain, leader and standout performer. His eight goals have propelled Lionel Scaloni's side into the semi-finals and placed him firmly at the top of the race for the tournament's Golden Boot.

Yet Argentina's attacking output has not relied solely on the Inter Miami forward. Instead, Scaloni's side have benefited from contributions across the squad, with seven other players also getting on the scoresheet during their run to the last four.

Lautaro Martinez has scored twice, while Giovani Lo Celso, Enzo Fernandez, Lisandro Martinez, Cristian Romero, Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez have all found the net.

Argentina squad

Argentina closing in on World Cup goalscoring record

Argentina's eight different goalscorers have put them within touching distance of a unique place in World Cup history.

The record for the most different goalscorers by a single nation at one World Cup stands at 10. France first achieved the feat in 1982, before Italy matched it in 2006 and Belgium equalled it again in 2018.

That means Argentina could draw level with the record if two players who have yet to score at this tournament find the net against England. Should three new scorers emerge — or if they continue spreading the goals in a potential final after overcoming the Three Lions — Scaloni's side would set a new World Cup record.

England, meanwhile, will hope Kane and Bellingham can continue carrying the goalscoring burden against Argentina. Bellingham, in particular, has enjoyed a remarkable run of form, scoring four of England's last five goals, including decisive strikes in the knockout victories over Mexico and Norway that helped fire the Three Lions into the semi-finals.

Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane

England's World Cup goalscorers

Jude Bellingham – 6 goals
Harry Kane – 6 goals
Marcus Rashford – 1 goal

Total: 13 goals scored by 3 different players.

Argentina's World Cup goalscorers

Lionel Messi – 8 goals
Lautaro Martinez – 2 goals
Giovani Lo Celso – 1 goal
Enzo Fernandez – 1 goal
Lisandro Martinez – 1 goal
Cristian Romero – 1 goal
Alexis Mac Allister – 1 goal
Julian Alvarez – 1 goal

Total: 16 goals scored by 8 different players.

01 Jul2023	B. Dortmund	Real Madrid	€127M
20 Jul2020	Birmingham City	B. Dortmund	€30M
01 Jul2019	Birmingham City U18	Birmingham City	Free transfer
01 Jul2018	Birmingham City Academy	Birmingham City U18	Free transfer

J. Bellingham

Transfer History