EA FC 26 gameplay predicts a massive shock for Thomas Tuchel's side ahead of the World Cup semi-final. Ahead of the official kick-off time, we simulated the full match to get the ultimate score prediction for England vs Argentina.19:20, 14 Jul 2026Two of the 2026 World Cup's star performers will trade blows in an instant classic semi-final clash. That's the verdict of EA FC 26, which predicts a breathless six-goal thriller when Thomas Tuchel’s men take on reigning world champions Argentina.‌England stand on the precipice of a truly momentous occasion. Thomas Tuchel’s men are a win away from a third major tournament final in five years and only a second-ever World Cup final.‌The only thing that stands in their way? The reigning world champions, Argentina, and an evergreen Lionel Messi determined to secure back-to-back winners medals - a feat only completed twice in history.‌But this England side are made of stern stuff, and will not balk in the face of arguably the greatest player to grace the game. Remarkably, it will be Messi’s first meeting with England and it is sure to be a memorable occasion one way or the other.While Messi’s greatness is indisputable, England have two world-class stars who have dragged them kicking and screaming through the knockout rounds. The attacking double act of captain Harry Kane and maverick midfielder Jude Bellingham have been unstoppable at times.To try and predict England’s fate, we took to EA Sports FC 26 to simulate the match. Here’s how it went.‌England line-up vs Argentina simulated by EA FC 26After watching Reece James return to the fray as a substitute against Norway, Tuchel and England fans will hope he can finally return to the starting XI at right-back. It would solve the England coach’s biggest selection headache of the tournament, and what better timing.Our simulation expected Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi to make up the central defence pairing, and kept Declan Rice in the line-up despite the Arsenal midfielder’s troubles with illness last week. Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon got the nod from the gaffer on the wings.‌England simulated starting XI v Argentina : Jordan Pickford; Reece James, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Nico O’Reilly; Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham; Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane, Anthony GordonEngland v Argentina World Cup semi-final simulated by EA Sports FC 26The high-stakes simulation predicted a breathtaking, nerve-shredding encounter with a major plot twist that’ll have England fans holding their breath.While England skipper Kane and Messi are poised to trade blows, the simulation predicts a reckless red card that’ll force England to play almost of the entire second half a man down.‌Nico O’Reilly had a match to forget, and his night went from bad to worse to downright disastrous. Just two minutes in, he was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box and conceded a penalty.Giving Lionel Messi a penalty might have been a cardinal sin before this tournament, but given that the great man has missed two during Argentina’s run to the semis, maybe there was hope for O’Reilly and England? That was dashed quickly as he thumped the spot-kick down the middle to take the lead.‌England were shellshocked by the early disaster and Julian Alvarez came very close to doubling the lead just two minutes later. Thankfully for Guehi, who had lost his man, the Atletico Madrid striker hit the side-netting.It would take nerves of steel to drag England back into the frame after such a poor start, and so it proved. After 14 minutes, Kane slammed his penalty home in response to Messi’s after Bellingham was shoved in the back by Rodrigo De Paul.Bellingham almost had a goal of his own but Emiliano Martinez pulled off an important save to deny him after good work from Gordon on 24 minutes. But England found themselves behind again thanks to another Messi goal.‌On the half-hour mark, the legendary forward got his second with a thumping finish across Pickford into the bottom right corner. It was a just reward for some patient build-up play inside the England box.There has been plenty of talk in recent days of England’s mental strength during this tournament. The Three Lions relied upon it once again to fight back level four minutes later.This time, the goal came not from Kane nor Bellingham, but instead Marc Guehi. The Manchester City defender rose highest to meet Rice’s corner, and his powerful header found its way into the top corner via Alexis Mac Allister’s failed attempt at a goalline clearance.‌Things would get better still for England on 38 minutes, when another headed goal gave England an incredible lead having trailed twice to the the reigning world champions. Elliot Anderson found himself completely unmarked at the penalty spot to nod in a brilliant cross from James.Finally ahead at 3-2, England were galvanised. Pickford was on hand to deny Alvarez from close range and there would be more drama before the half came to an end.‌Right on the stroke of half-time, Kane lost the attentions of his old Tottenham teammate Cristian Romero when the defender attempted a wildly timed tackle. The England skipper punished his old colleague by smashing the ball home from six yards, giving England a 4-2 lead at half-time.It was a staggering half of football, and there was no way the second half could match it for drama. After the half-time break, England were composed and assured, denying their opponents even a glimpse at the ball.That was, until 50 minutes in, when Nico O’Reilly risked making himself the villain of England’s tournament. He slid in recklessly from behind on De Paul, earning himself a very deserved red card and England had to play the majority of the second half with 10 men.‌However, this seemed only to harden their resolve. The passing remained crisp, possession controlled, and the rest of the game played out without a single other incident of note.England v Argentina World Cup semi-final result simulated by EA Sports FC 26England 4 - 2 ArgentinaArticle continues belowA special win that would go down in the history books for England fans would do just the trick in Atlanta. Kane’s double was the perfect response to Messi’s brace, as the two forwards traded almost identical goals.Such a victory would send England to only their second ever World Cup final, where either Spain or France would await. There are the ghosts of Euro 2024 to exorcise should it be the Spaniards, but this England team are shedding the shadows of the past one game at a time.If this simulated result comes to pass, the nation will hold its breath until Sunday night, dreaming of seeing Kane lift the famous trophy in New Jersey. They wouldn’t have done it the easy way, but where’s the fun in that?