adminEngland and Argentina Set for Blockbuster World Cup Semi-Final Clash
Old rivals England and Argentina are set to face off in Wednesday night’s World Cup semi-final, with a place in the final on the line. According to former England star Chris Waddle, the key to victory for the Three Lions lies in shutting down the “supply line” to Argentine maestro Lionel Messi.
The showdown takes place in Atlanta, where England hope to reach their first World Cup final since their 1966 triumph. Remarkably, despite being 39 years old, Messi has never faced England in his career. For Thomas Tuchel’s side to advance, containing arguably football’s greatest-ever player will be essential—but that’s easier said than done.
“The best way is to cut his supply off,” Waddle told Freebets.com. “Cut the lanes off. If people can’t get the ball to his feet, you stand a chance. But I bet every team in this tournament has tried to stop Lionel Messi on the ball and it hasn’t worked.
He’ll find space. There might be two or three moments in the game where you think wow — and that could decide the match. I know he’s 39 and his legs have gone slightly. But when he gets the ball to his feet, he sees that pass, the quick one-two.
He’s so bright with what he thinks about the game still. To stop Lionel Messi — people have been trying to work this out for 25 years and I’ve never seen anyone do it.
So if England do that job on him, they’ve got a great chance. He is a genius. Simple as that. He can turn a game within seconds.”
England, however, boast their own star power in Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, the latter having netted twice in the quarter-final victory over Norway.
Before the tournament, Waddle—like many—thought Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers might have been selected instead, but Bellingham has proven why Tuchel placed his faith in him. While some pundits have likened Bellingham to England icon Paul Gascoigne, Waddle insists they are “completely different.”
The Sheffield Wednesday legend elaborated: “Gazza had little tricks, one-twos, nutmegs — Gazza was just a one-off footballer, he played like he was in the playground as a kid. Jude Bellingham is a modern-day footballer — big, tall, strong, athletic, gets the ball, uses it, doesn’t give it away.
But he just offers that little bit of difference at number 10. He comes alongside Harry Kane very well. Against Norway in the quarter-final he was absolutely outstanding — for 35 minutes he carried the team and basically ran the game. He’s on the list for player of the tournament if England win it. He’s been one of the massive pluses for England.”
Tuchel made headlines by saying England “got lucky” against Norway, but Waddle has been impressed with the German manager’s overall approach. “The thing I like about Thomas Tuchel is he wants his players to express themselves,” Waddle added. “A lot of coaches modern day are all about possession stats and data — no-risk football, don’t dribble. Thomas Tuchel is quite the opposite.
He wants his players to get forward, to create, to have a go. That’s why he gets frustrated — sometimes the players take the easy option by passing back or square when they could actually advance with the ball. He knows the game and he’s very positive. But a lot of the players seem reluctant to take the risk.”
Despite Argentina winning the tournament four years ago, Waddle doesn’t consider them the favorites, instead pointing to France as the standout side so far. With England’s attacking depth, he believes they could “easily win it.”
“England and Argentina both score goals,” he continued. “You can get at Argentina. A lot of teams have. We’ve got players who can capitalise — Kane and Bellingham. But listen, it’s going to be fine margins. England could easily win it, definitely.
The best thing is to go out there and enjoy it. I know it’s hard to say enjoy it, but go and enjoy it. It’s a game of football. If you go out there thinking too much about the occasion, the game passes you by.”
As for his prediction, Waddle expects a thrilling contest: “I’m expecting quite a bit. I’m expecting goals, I’m expecting 2-2 after 90 minutes, and unfortunately I think it goes to the dreaded penalties.
I’m not the man to ask about penalties! My fingers will be crossed for England. It’s going to be very close — a lot of yellow cards, could even be a red.”
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