Former England international Joe Cole has backed the Three Lions to end Lionel Messi's World Cup challenge, expressing confidence that Thomas Tuchel's side will overcome defending champions Argentina when the two teams meet in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final at Atlanta Stadium.
The clash, scheduled for Thursday (IST), will mark the first World Cup meeting between England and Argentina in 21 years. The fierce rivalry has previously produced five World Cup encounters—in 1962, 1966, 1986, 1998 and 2002—with England winning the most recent contest in Japan through David Beckham's penalty.
Argentina arrive as the reigning world champions after lifting the trophy in Qatar four years ago, securing their third World Cup title and first in 36 years. Despite their pedigree, Cole believes England possess enough attacking quality to halt Lionel Scaloni's side.
“We will have to put Lionel Messi to bed. We're going to put him to bed," Cole said on The Rest is Football podcast.
Both semi-finalists needed extra time to book their places in the last four.
Argentina defeated Switzerland 3-1 after the match ended 1-1 at the end of regulation time. Julian Alvarez restored their lead with a stunning curling effort before Lautaro Martinez added a late third to seal victory.
The South Americans had earlier staged a dramatic comeback in the Round of 16, recovering from a two-goal deficit to defeat Egypt 3-2. Trailing 2-0 in the 79th minute, Argentina struck three times within the next 13 minutes to complete the turnaround.
Their Round of 32 encounter also proved demanding, with World Cup debutants Cape Verde taking the contest into extra time before an own goal eventually handed Argentina a 3-2 victory.
Argentina advanced through the group stage with wins over Algeria, Austria and Jordan and remain, alongside France, the only team in the tournament to maintain a 100 per cent winning record, including matches decided after extra time.
Also Read | Jannik Sinner Beats Alexander Zverev to Clinch Second Consecutive Wimbledon Title
