England face world champion Argentina in today’s blockbuster World Cup semifinals, with a place in the final on the line. It is the first meeting between the two sides at a World Cup since 1998 and also the first time Messi will ever face England.
England are narrowly bookmaker favourites with a 38.9% chance to reach the final in regular time against Argentina with 34.1%. The Argentina and England coaches are expected to use an unchanged line-up that got them a place in the semifinals.
With tension growing in both camps, English media and legends like former midfielder Joe Cole, who didn’t hold back by declaring that England will “put Messi to sleep” en route to the final. Meanwhile Gary Neville struck a more measured tone, saying he fears France more than Argentina but still expects England’s attack to punish mistakes from Argentina’s centre backs.
