Who is Giuliano Simeone starting for Argentina vs England?
Giuliano Simeone is starting for Argentina in the World Cup 2026 semi-final against England in Atlanta, replacing Rodrigo De Paul for his second appearance of the tournament. The 23-year-old Atletico Madrid winger is the son of Diego Simeone, whose clash with David Beckham defined England’s 1998 World Cup exit.
Key Takeaways
- Giuliano Simeone starts for Argentina versus England, with Rodrigo De Paul dropping out.
- The 23-year-old Atletico Madrid forward is making only his second World Cup appearance.
- His father, Diego Simeone, was involved in David Beckham’s red card at the 1998 World Cup.
- England start Morgan Rogers, Reece James and Djed Spence in Atlanta under Thomas Tuchel.
England and Argentina are renewing one of football’s fiercest rivalries in a World Cup semi-final that already carries a family subplot. According to The Independent, Argentina’s only change is the inclusion of Giuliano Simeone—an angle now dominating celebrity breaking news coverage ahead of kick-off.
Who is Giuliano Simeone and why does he matter tonight?
Giuliano Simeone is a 23-year-old Argentina winger who plays under his father at Atletico Madrid. Born in Rome while Diego Simeone was at Lazio, he grew up in Argentina and moved to Atletico Madrid in 2019.
Argentina have handed him a start in place of Rodrigo De Paul. It is only his second appearance of this World Cup, adding intrigue to a selection call against England.
How does Diego Simeone link England and Argentina’s rivalry?
Until this tournament, England and Argentina had not met in a competitive match since the 2002 World Cup. Their 1998 last-16 clash still looms over the fixture.
David Beckham was sent off after kicking out at Diego Simeone following a foul, with 10-man England then eliminated on penalties. Diego, who made 108 appearances for Argentina and now manages Atletico Madrid, has been watching the Albiceleste through this tournament and was even pictured smiling with Beckham in Miami.
Which line-ups did England and Argentina confirm?
Yahoo Sports reports England’s starting XI as Pickford; James, Stones, Guehi, Spence; Rice, Anderson; Rogers, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane. Thomas Tuchel starts Rogers on the right ahead of Noni Madueke, with Bukayo Saka among the substitutes. Declan Rice is fit after illness and partners Elliot Anderson.
Argentina’s confirmed side is E. Martinez; Molina, Romero, L. Martinez, Tagliafico; Paredes, Simeone, Fernandez, Mac Allister; Messi, Alvarez. Julian Alvarez starts alongside Lionel Messi, with Lautaro Martinez on the bench.
For viewers tracking every subplot of this historic reunion, Giuliano Simeone is the breakout name—linking a present-day World Cup semi-final to one of England-Argentina football’s most infamous moments.