Lionel Scaloni previewed the semifinal against England: "We are going to leave it all on the field" | La Derecha Diario en Inglés

The Argentine National Team will face one of the most important matches of the 2026 World Cup this Wednesday when they take on England in the semifinals. In the pre-match press conference, Lionel Scaloni analyzed the team's current situation, talked about the opponent, recalled the historic match from Mexico 1986, asked not to mix football with the Falklands War, and left a message of gratitude for the fans.

Lionel Scaloni previewed the semifinal against England: "We are going to leave it all on the field"

How the Team Arrives at the Semifinal

Scaloni explained that the coaching staff worked on aspects to correct after the hard-fought victory against Switzerland, although he emphasized that it will be a completely different match. "We analyzed the previous match, we reviewed it as always. This will be a different match, as all matches are. We will try to improve in the aspects where we were not good, we have discussed and analyzed it with the guys", he stated.

At the same time, he highlighted the moment the squad is going through: "We are well, with great enthusiasm. It is a World Cup semifinal, with our dream intact and with our eternal gratitude to these players who have taken us to play a World Cup semifinal again with all the difficulty that reaching this point entails".

"A month and a half ago, I would have signed to be here"

When asked if the team arrives in the condition he imagined at the start of the tournament, the coach made it clear that the main objective was already to reach this stage. "The truth is that I don't think about whether I am where I wanted to be because a month and a half ago, reaching a World Cup semifinal, I would have signed to get here no matter what. It didn't matter to me", he affirmed.

He added: "I have no complaints. Whether we are tired or not, it doesn't matter to me. We are in a World Cup semifinal. Now I am super excited, we are super excited, happy, and we are going to play it".

The Memory of Maradona and the Goal Against England

As was inevitable, Scaloni was also asked about Diego Maradona and the historic match from the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. "I believe everyone remembers that match, remembers Diego's performance, and especially the second goal, which will be kept in our hearts for the beauty of the goal. I think it was a wonderful goal and any football lover remembers it in the best way", he expressed.

He also clarified that the value of that masterpiece transcends the opponent: "It was against England by chance, but if it had been against another opponent, it would have been just as beautiful".

The Possible Changes and the Challenge of Stopping Bellingham and Kane

Regarding the team to face England, Scaloni avoided confirming the lineup, although he acknowledged that he is considering variations. "We always analyze how to improve the team and how to try to neutralize these great players in the best way. It may be a possibility that we make some changes, and it may also be a possibility that we repeat", he commented.

Regarding Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, he was complimentary: "They are two great players, among the best in the world. Any coach would want to have them. We will try to neutralize them with our strengths and hope to carry out our game plan".

The Value of Having Reached This Point

The coach also emphasized the importance of having reached a World Cup semifinal again, regardless of what happens against England. "We have to give enormous value to what we have achieved. Beyond the fact that we will try with all our strength to reach the final, I believe that with the teams that have been eliminated, it is a great achievement and we should take it as such", he stated.

He added: "We have done so many good things that sometimes it is not enough for us, but I can assure you that I am calm, satisfied, and super grateful to my players".

Internal Competition Does Not Change the Criteria

In light of the possibility of making changes in midfield, Scaloni made it clear that decisions are always made with the team in mind. "I don't understand why they couldn't come in or go out. We have done it before. The team comes first, and we will make the decision thinking about it", he asserted.

Additionally, he explained the criteria he has maintained since the beginning of his tenure: "We never think about what they have given us or what they were, but about what they are and what they give us in the present".

What Argentina Cannot Lack

When asked about what he would not forgive the team in a situation like this, Scaloni assured that commitment will never be lacking. "The desire and ambition are abundant. We need to recover playing football, playing with the ball, which is where we have always been strong. Everything else we have", he explained.

He then insisted: "My players have always given their all on the field. I take that for granted. What we must not forget is to play".

The Message for the Fans

Scaloni took advantage of the conference to send a message to the thousands of Argentines who support the team. "Enjoy the moment, because today is a time to be satisfied and hopeful. We will give everything until the last moment", he expressed.

He also explained why he believes this group generates so much identification: "I think it is because they play good football, because we have good players and because we have a culture of never giving up on a match".

The Physical Weariness Takes a Backseat

Scaloni acknowledged that physical demands exist, although he assured that a semifinal makes everything take a backseat. "Being in a World Cup semifinal makes fatigue secondary", he stated.

However, he clarified that he will not risk players: "In any case, the one who is not fit tomorrow will not play. The one who is fit will play".

The Ongoing Dialogue with the Players

The coach also explained the viral exchange he had with Leandro Paredes during the previous match and highlighted the importance of listening to those on the field. "The one on the field is the player, not the coach. The one who sees the situation and the difficulty is the player", he pointed out.

He then mentioned that such conversations are common: "That always happens, also in the locker room. They are open to say whatever they want and debate. I think it is something normal in today's football".

"It’s a football match, let’s not mix things up"

One of the most important moments of the conference came when he was asked about the historical context of the match against England and the Falklands War. In this regard, Scaloni was emphatic: "The reality is that it’s a football match. I cannot mix things up, especially out of respect for what happened so many years ago".

He urged to separate both aspects: "Mixing them would be madness. We criticize wars in other parts of the world, and I am going to say that this is more than a football match. It seems crazy to me".

Nonetheless, he clarified: "As Argentines, we remember those people, especially those who lost their loved ones. That is logical, but let’s not mix things up, please. This is football".

The Experience, a Point in Favor

Scaloni also talked about the calmness that the group gains from having gone through such instances in recent years. "Fortunately, we have some experience in playing these matches. It doesn’t guarantee victory, but it does allow you to be a bit more relaxed knowing what you will encounter when the match starts", he explained. He added: "They, regardless of the magnitude of the match, are calm waiting for the start".

The Blue Jersey and the Plan to Face England

Regarding the decision to wear the alternative jersey, Scaloni downplayed its importance. "I don’t know who requested to play in blue. Maybe it’s a tradition, I don’t know", he replied with a smile.

As for the match's development, he hinted at Argentina's intention: "The idea is to take control of the ball and, when we don’t have it, try to suffer as little as possible. England has very explosive and fast players on the wings, but we will try to surprise them with some nuances".

The Emotion After Julián Álvarez's Goal Against Switzerland

Scaloni also revealed what went through his mind after Julián Álvarez's second goal in the quarterfinals. "I was thinking about the lives this team has, the desire to keep competing, and how it surprises you day by day", he confessed.

However, he quickly refocused on the match: "Then I started thinking about the five minutes left because the team was unbalanced and needed to be adjusted".

The Gratitude to Bangladesh

At the end of the conference, Scaloni also dedicated some words to the millions of fans that the Argentine National Team has in Bangladesh, one of the countries where the Albiceleste generates the most impact outside South America.

"Thank you, it’s truly surprising, we are always amazed by the people of Bangladesh being so far away and being fans of Argentina, so it’s spectacular", expressed the coach.

Additionally, he valued the affection they receive from that corner of the world and closed with a wish for the match against England: "It’s very nice to see people who are not from your country wearing the Argentine national team jersey, that’s something spectacular. We hope to bring joy tomorrow, that’s what we are here for".