Argentina's defence has been statistically strong despite conceding five goals to Cape Verde, Egypt, and Jordan this summer. Their underlying defensive process is among the best, with an average of 0.52 expected goals conceded per 90 minutes, bettered only by Spain (0.31) among all 48 teams.
Argentina's defensive strengths
Argentina have excelled at restricting shot locations. Only Uruguay have allowed a higher proportion of shots from outside the penalty area (56%), while Argentina and Colombia are tied at 52%. Additionally, Argentina and Ecuador are the only teams not to have conceded a shot within their six-yard box. This is significant because shots from inside the six-yard box have a 27.1% conversion rate, nearly double that of shots from elsewhere in the penalty area (13.7%).
England's set piece threat
England have not been prolific at close-range shots, with only nine attempts from inside the six-yard box, fewer than Canada (12), Ecuador (11), and Norway (10). However, they have been effective from set pieces, creating five close-range chances from corners. Bellingham also scored twice from inside six yards in open play against Mexico. Argentina have allowed just 0.63 expected goals from set plays, and only Cape Verde have had more than three corners against them. England's potent set pieces could test Argentina's defence in Atlanta.
