World Cup Semi-Final Player Props Picks: Today’s Best Value Plays (7/15)

BettingThePitch

Written by: BettingThePitch

Last Update: Wed Jul 15, 2026, 9:53 am ET

Read Time: 5 minutes

Jude Bellingham is playing on another level right now for England. Can he lead them to the final? England Argentina Picks

FIFA World Cup

Semifinal number two is finally here!

England and Argentina square off today with a spot in Sunday's World Cup Final on the line. After watching Spain dismantle France yesterday, it's hard not to get excited for this one.

I was extremely high on that French team, but they simply didn't show up when it mattered most. Spain had a clear game plan, dominated the midfield, and never let France get comfortable. It was the first time all tournament that France looked out of ideas going forward.

Whoever wins today will have their hands full on Sunday. Let's get into my favorite plays.

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Featured Plays

Jude Bellingham To Score or Assist

HEYYYY JUUUDE!

Seriously, where would England be without Jude Bellingham?

He's been outstanding throughout this World Cup and has rescued England time after time. The role Thomas Tuchel has given him reminds me of his first season at Real Madrid under Carlo Ancelotti.

He's constantly making late runs into the box. Then, seconds later, he's sprinting 60 yards to break up a counterattack.

That's the type of player he is.

Bellingham has a legitimate chance to win the Golden Ball. If he finds the net today and England advance, he could even work his way into the Golden Boot conversation.

I haven't been impressed with Argentina defensively. Their midfield also hasn't controlled matches the way we've become accustomed to seeing.

England should find opportunities going forward.

Argentina were fortunate to survive against Switzerland until the red card changed the match. They also conceded two transition goals against both Egypt and Cape Verde.

Even Jordan created chances and generated 0.76 expected goals against them.

Now they have to deal with Bellingham.

He's already recorded six goals and one assist in this tournament. He's also averaging 2.97 shots and 1.92 shots on target per 90 minutes.

His movement into the final third has been exceptional. I think Argentina will struggle to track him for 90 minutes.

At this price, I love the value.

Play: Jude Bellingham To Score or Assist (+175)

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Lionel Messi 2+ Shots on Target

Will Messi and Argentina be the first team to win back to back World Cups since Brazil in 1958 and 1962? - World Cup Semifinals Preview

Will Messi and Argentina be the first team to win back to back World Cups since Brazil in 1958 and 1962?

Yesterday's Yamal play didn't cash, but I'm going back to a similar angle here.

This feels like another match where Argentina could spend stretches chasing the game. If that happens, Lionel Messi will have to put this team on his back once again.

He's already carrying Argentina through this tournament. I expect him to embrace that responsibility again today.

Messi has eight goals and two assists so far. He has also been the focal point of nearly every Argentine attack.

This is undoubtedly Argentina's toughest test of the World Cup. Then again, we've learned never to doubt Messi on the biggest stage.

He's averaging more than six shots per match and 2.46 shots on target per 90 minutes. He's reached this number in every World Cup start except the quarterfinal against Switzerland.

That match changed after Argentina scored early. They controlled possession and managed the game rather than continuing to push forward.

England have conceded chances against quality opponents.

Croatia put five shots on target against them. Mexico also managed five, while Norway finished with four.

Argentina currently rank fourth in the tournament with 6.5 shots on target per match.

England will be comfortable allowing Argentina possession. That only means one thing.

The attack will run through Messi.

He'll have his opportunities, and he'll be motivated knowing another World Cup final is just one match away.

Play: Lionel Messi 2+ Shots on Target (+125)

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BettingThePitch
BettingThePitch

Just a guy who loves sports, soccer and beating the books!

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