England v Argentina: World Cup History Or Short Again? | OneFootball

England face Argentina tonight in a World Cup semi-final, with the winner booking their place in Sunday’s final in New York.

The time is now. The talking stops. The country waits. England are one match away from their first World Cup final since winning it in 1966. One team stands in their way and one that the Three Lions have history with.

1966. England beat Argentina in the quarter-final on their way to their only World Cup win. 1986. Diego Maradona and the famous ‘Hand of God’ moment. 1998. David Beckham sent off for kicking Diego Simeone. 2002. Beckham gets redemption, scoring the winner in a group match.

Both have had similar tournaments so far, with a couple of impressive performances mixed with ‘getting over the line’ moments. Winning at all costs. Mexico and Norway pushed England to the end, whilst Egypt were just ten minutes away from knocking Argentina out.

Bellingham v Messi

Jude Bellingham. There are not enough superlatives to give to England’s no.10. The former Birmingham City and Borussia Dortmund star has been everything and more for the Three Lions this summer.

The potential upset in New Jersey. The struggle in the Azteca. The heat in Miami. Bellingham led by example both on and off the pitch. When England needed a moment of magic. It was Bellingham. When England needed a voice. It was Bellingham. If England are to go on and become world champions, it will be Bellingham to lead the way.

On the other side? Only the best player to ever grace a football pitch. Lionel Messi. At the age of 39 years old, Messi is STILL the one that Argentina look to change the game.

England will need to stop Lionel Messi if they want to stop Argentina. Something that very few teams have been able to do over the course of his career. Will this match be decided on a moment of brilliance by either Bellingham or Messi, or will someone else be the hero?

prediction

England have not had a better chance to reach the World Cup final. Argentina have looked very shaky, more so in the match against Egypt. However, so have England at times. A few defensive frailties in both sides make this match potentially high-scoring.

Wide play from Thomas Tuchel’s men will be key, and the last two performances of Anthony Gordon have given hope of providing that threat.

Bukayo Saka has to start. Noni Madueke has been less than impressive, but Saka frightens defenders. Their opponents have struggled in those areas of the pitch, and an in-form Gordon and Saka will hurt them

The Three Lions have a better team/overall with more talent coming off the bench, but Argentina have Lionel Messi. Players such as Julian Alvarez and Alexis Mac Allister can cause England problems, but is it enough?

Goals. Cards. Drama. England to win it in extra-time.

This is it. England have the chance to make history. Millions around the country with shirts and flags at the ready. Now is the time for these players to stand up and be counted. Go and show the world what you are capable of. Make history.