England face Argentina in the World Cup semi-final on Wednesday, with the Three Lions aiming to reach their first final since 1966. Argentina, the reigning world champions, are looking to make back-to-back appearances in the tournament finale after a 2-1 extra-time win over Norway sent Thomas Tuchel's side to the final four.
The pundits are divided. Alan Shearer backs England to win 3-2, predicting Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane will be the scorers. “England can definitely make the final without a doubt,” Shearer told Betfair. “It’s because I do think Argentina concede goals and we will score. So, I’m going to go for an amazing game with England 3-2 to win. Bellingham and Kane to get our goals. They are our big hitters.”
“Pundits split as England face Argentina in World Cup semi-final, seeking first final since 1966.”
Ian Wright also believes England will triumph, citing their counter-attacking ability. “I don’t fear Argentina like I’d fear France or Spain, because I think there are a lot of fallacies with them,” Wright said. “I think we’ll beat Argentina – not just because I want us to, but because of the way they play and how narrow they are but our wingers need to do a lot more than what they have done. I think we’ll be able to block them and break.”
But Roy Keane disagrees. The Irishman, a colleague of Wright on the Stick to Football podcast, backed Argentina to edge a tight game. “Truthfully, I think they’ll come up short against Argentina,” Keane said. “I think definitely against France. Spain might be different, get the job done [against Spain], but I think there’s too much there. I think Argentina would just find something in a tight game.”
Argentina have scraped through the knockout stages, with two of their three matches going to extra time. England, meanwhile, are the history-makers in waiting – a win would set up a final against Spain, who beat France 2-0 in the other semi.
The rivalry adds extra spice: these two nations met in the group stage of the 2002 World Cup in a match that became synonymous with David Beckham’s redemption. Now, a new generation of England players have the chance to create their own heroics.