NEW DELHI: England and Argentina are set for another blockbuster FIFA World Cup face off as they meet in the 2026 semifinals at Atlanta Stadium. Ahead of the stunning clash, former England winger Joe Cole backed the Three Lions to stop the Argentina captain and book their place in the final.Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Cole said England have what it takes to neutralize the reigning world champions’ biggest star. “Let’s put it Lionel Messi in bed We’ll put him in bed,” Cole said.Cole also believes England’s attacking prowess will prove too much for Argentina despite Lionel Scaloni’s side reaching a second consecutive World Cup semifinal.
Messi shines despite the goal drought
Messi failed to score in Argentina’s quarterfinal against Switzerland, ending his World Cup scoring streak, but he still made a big impact.Messi set up Alexis McAllister’s opening goal with a superb corner in the 10th minute after winning it with good footwork.Switzerland equalized in the 67th minute, forcing the game into extra time. Julian Alvarez then produced a stunning strike in the 112th minute before Lautaro Martinez added a third as Argentina secured a 3-1 win.Messi also needed treatment after hitting his right eye during the match but continued to play.
England vs Argentina rivalry
The semifinal was the most recent World Cup meeting between England and Argentina, having previously faced each other in 1962, 1966, 1986, 1998 and 2002.England won the last meeting of the World Cup in 2002 because of David Beckham’s penalty.Argentina are the defending world champions after lifting the trophy in Qatar and are chasing back-to-back World Cup titles.
Both teams battled hard to reach the semifinals
Argentina’s road to the last four will not be easy. In the Round of 32, Argentina needed extra time to beat World Cup debutants Cape Verde 3-2 before making a stunning comeback from 2-0 down to beat Egypt 3-2 in the Round of 16. The South Americans scored three goals in just 13 minutes after trailing until the 79th minute.Against Switzerland, they needed more time again before Alvarez and Martinez sealed the victory.Argentina also defeated Algeria, Austria and Jordan during the group stage and, along with France, remain the only teams with a 100% record in the tournament, including extra-time victories.England, too, needed more time in the quarterfinals to book their place in the semifinals, setting up another high-stakes showdown with the defending champions.