NEW DELHI: England and Argentina are set for another blockbuster FIFA World Cup meet as they meet in the 2026 semifinals at Atlanta Stadium. Before the match in the mouth, the former English 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. “We have to put it Lionel Messi to bed We’re going to put him to bed,” Cole said.Cole also believes England’s attacking force will prove too much for Argentina despite Lionel Scaloni’s side reaching a second consecutive World Cup semi-final.
Messi shines despite goal drought
Messi failed to score in Argentina’s quarter-final against Switzerland, ending his World Cup scoring streak, but he still made a big impact.Messi set up Alexis MacAllister’s opening goal with a superb corner in the 10th minute after winning with clever work.Switzerland equalized in the 67th minute, forcing the match 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 victory.Messi also required treatment after taking a blow near his right eye during the match, but continued to play.
England vs Argentina rivalry
The semi-final will be the last World Cup meeting between England and Argentina, having previously met in 1962, 1966, 1986, 1998 and 2002.England won the last World Cup meeting in 2002 thanks to David Beckham’s penalty.Argentina are the defending world champions after lifting the trophy in Qatar and are chasing the World Cup titles.
Both teams fought hard to reach the semi-finals
Argentina did not have an easy road to the last four. In the round of 32, Argentina needed extra time to beat World Cup debutants Cape Verde 3-2 before producing 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 the end until the 79th minute.Against Switzerland, they needed extra time again before Alvarez and Martinez sealed the win.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 wins.England, too, needed extra time in the quarter-finals to book their place in the semi-finals, setting up another showdown with the defending champions.