World Cup Betting Tips Today: Predictions & Best Bets for July 15th

The second World Cup semi-final takes place on Wednesday in Atlanta between old rivals Argentina and England. With so much history both on and off the pitch, this match is going to full of drama, and it might take something special (or controversial) to win it. Neither nation has impressed during the knockout stage of the World Cup, and in an air conditioned stadium, we may see a more frantic game during certain periods.

Our World Cup tipster Nathan Joyes is back with his best bets for this semi-final clash. Read his World Cup tips below.

Argentina vs England

These two nations haven't met in a competitive fixture since the 2002 World Cup group stage when David Beckham scored from the penalty spot to win 1-0. And so with no meeting in over 24 years, this will be the first time that Lionel Messi will line up against England at the age of 39.

And it's going to be a really intriguing battle. England have edged out DR Congo, Mexico and Norway to be here, while Argentina have relied one extra time - twice - to see off Cape Verde and Switzerland. It hasn't been pretty from either at times, yet both will fancy their chances of reaching the final.

Let's start with England. A convincing 4-2 win over Croatia appeared to be an impressive start for Thomas Tuchel's side yet they haven't been able to build on that performance ever since. The Ghana draw was disappointing and the narrow 2-0 win over Panama hardly worried opponents.

The knockout stage has seen England concede against DR Congo, Mexico (twice) and Norway - something needs to change if they are to stop the current World Cup top goalscorers from finding the back of the net once again. That, unfortunately for England fans, doesn't look entirely possible.

That's because of Argentina's firepower. Lionel Messi has been magnificent, Lautaro Martinez continues to be a threat while Julian Alvarez scored a stunner vs Switzerland.

Yet their defence isn't much better. Goals conceded against Cape Verde, Egypt and Switzerland shows how exposed Lionel Scaloni's side can be at times - and that's going to be a huge problem for him to fix ahead of facing England's pacey wingers. Neither defence looks convincing, and with Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Messi on the pitch, the goals should flow in this eagerly anticipated fixture.

With that in mind, I'm backing both teams to score at 19/20 with BetMGM.

My second selection is at an eye-catching price. This game is likely to be decided by one or two key moments and while all eyes are on Messi and Kane, there's a name much further down the betting market that has caught my attention.

That player is Argentina's Cristian Romero. Having scored six goals for Spurs this season, Romero scored against Cape Verde from a corner - and that is where Argentina have been extremely dangerous this World Cup - and where England have been vulnerable.

Norway managed to score from a corner only for VAR to intervene, but Tuchel's men haven't been very switched on at times - especially when Dan Burns is on the pitch. And so Romero's pure size and heading ability must come into play.

Many will expect moments of genius within the match - and that might well happen - but both Messi and Kane are short enough. And with a huge amount of pressure on both nations, there could be lapses in concentration, which may come during set pieces.

Therefore I'm backing Cristian Romero to score anytime at 14/1. with BetMGM.

Betting Tips

Argentina vs England: Both teams to score at 19/20.

Argentina vs England: Cristian Romero to score anytime at 14/1.