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NEW DELHI: England and Argentina are all set for another blockbuster FIFA World Cup clash as they meet in the 2026 semifinals at Atlanta Stadium. Ahead of the tantalizing clash, the former England winger Joe Cole backed the Three Lions to stop the Argentine 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 will have to put Lionel Messi to bed. “We’ll put him to 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 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 still made a big impact.Messi set up Alexis Mac Allister’s opener with a superb corner kick in the 10th minute after winning it with a clever foot.Switzerland equalized in the 67th minute and the match was sent to overtime. 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 needed treatment after being hit near his right eye during the match, but continued to play.
Rivalry between England and Argentina
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 match at the World Cup in 2002 thanks to 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 fought hard to reach the semi-finals
Argentina did not have an easy way to the quarter-finals. In the Round of 16, Argentina needed extra time to beat World Cup debutants Cape Verde 3-2 before making an incredible 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 extra 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% performance in the tournament, including extra-time wins.England also needed extra time in the quarter-finals to secure their place in the semi-finals, setting up another high-stakes showdown with the defending champions.
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