New Delhi: England and Argentina are set for another blockbuster FIFA World Cup 2026 will meet in the semifinal at Atlanta Stadium. Ahead of the mouth-watering controversy, the former England player Joe Cole he helped the Three Lions stop the Argentine captain and secure their place in the final.Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Cole said England have what it takes to land the world’s biggest star. “We have to put it in.” Lionel Messi that fate. We’ll put him to sleep,” Cole said.Cole also believes England’s resilience will be greater against Argentina despite Lionel Scaloni’s side reaching their second consecutive World Cup semifinal.
Messi shines despite the goal drought
Messi failed to score in Argentina’s quarterfinal against Switzerland, ending his scoring streak in the World Cup, but he still contributed a lot.Messi set up Alexis Mac Allister’s opener with a superb corner 10 minutes after winning with a brilliant piece of skill.Switzerland equalized in the 67th minute, forcing the game into extra time. Julian Alvarez then scored a stunning strike in the 112th minute before Lautaro Martinez added a third as Argentina won 3-1.Messi also needed treatment after being hit near the right eye during the match but continued to play.
England vs Argentina match
The semi-final will be the latest World Cup meeting between England and Argentina, who have previously met in 1962, 1966, 1986, 1998 and 2002.England won the World Cup final in 2002 thanks to David Beckham’s penalty.Argentina are the defending champions after lifting the trophy in Qatar and are chasing back-to-back World Cup titles.
Both teams fought hard to reach the semifinals
Argentina did not have an easy way to reach the last four. In the Round of 32, Argentina needed extra time to defeat Cape Verde 3-2 at the World Cup, before coming back 2-0 to defeat Egypt 3-2 in the Round of 16. The South Americans scored three goals just 13 minutes before the 79th minute.Against Switzerland, they needed extra time before Alvarez and Martinez sealed the victory.Argentina also defeated Algeria, Austria and Jordan during the group stage and, along with France, are the only teams with a 100% record in the competition, including extra time wins.England, too, needed extra time in the quarterfinals to book their place in the semifinals, setting up another big display by the defending champions.
