The preview of the 2026 World Cup semifinal between Argentina and England has started to unfold off the pitch. Just days before the clash in Atlanta, several legendary former English footballers analyzed the current state of the Albiceleste and made statements that generated a stir, especially regarding references to Lionel Messi and the defense of Lionel Scaloni's team.
One of the most outspoken was Joe Cole. The former Chelsea midfielder expressed full confidence in the capabilities of the team led by Thomas Tuchel and issued a warning directed at the Argentine captain. “We’re going to send him to sleep. Yes, 100%,” he stated on the show The Rest Is Football. He then doubled down: "I’m saying it right now: we’re going to reach the World Cup final. We have too much speed for Argentina's strengths and we’re going to beat them. I feel it in my bones."
His words surprised even his fellow panelists. Micah Richards reacted with an immediate "Don’t say that!,” while Gary Lineker, England's top scorer in the 1986 Mexico World Cup, recalled the strength of the Argentine team: "The Argentines are crafty and they are winners". However, Cole stood his ground and replied: "We know they are".
Another who weighed in on the match was Gary Neville. The legendary Manchester United defender believed that the current Argentine team does not reach the level they showed in winning the 2022 World Cup, although he warned that they remain a very dangerous opponent due to Messi's presence and the competitive spirit of the team.
