As England prepares to face Argentina in the semi-finals, a closer examination of their opponent reveals both strengths and weaknesses. Argentina has demonstrated their ability to execute moments of brilliance, but how they handle pressure from England will be critical.
Denying Space to Lethal Messi
Switzerland showcased an effective strategy against Lionel Messi by congesting the central areas of the pitch, making it challenging for him to create opportunities for passes or shots. One of Messi’s signature moves involves quick one-two exchanges with teammates near the box, allowing him to find space to strike. However, this tactic faltered in the quarter-final match as Messi encountered a solid defensive wall, only managing to find openings shortly before Julián Alvarez scored the decisive goal. Argentina’s formation aims to position Messi for optimal impact, yet he had a subdued performance against Switzerland by his exceptional standards, although he did assist Alexis Mac Allister’s goal from a corner kick. The notion of simply stopping Messi sounds feasible but has proven nearly impossible for most teams; England may have gained valuable insights from this match.
A Suspect Right Flank
Post-match, Lionel Scaloni addressed concerns regarding his team’s right flank, which appeared vulnerable throughout the game. Dan Ndoye, the speedy winger from Nottingham Forest, posed significant problems for Argentina during his time on the field, easily outmaneuvering Nahuel Molina, who struggled to contain him. Ndoye’s efforts led to a crucial equalizer, and he could have inflicted further damage. Molina was substituted before extra time, with Scaloni acknowledging that he had been a serious injury concern prior to the tournament. Gonzalo Montiel, Molina’s backup, is also being managed carefully due to similar issues, placing additional strain on the team’s full-backs. With Anthony Gordon and Marcus Rashford poised to exploit these weaknesses, Scaloni’s challenges are compounded by a sluggish Rodrigo De Paul, who has not provided adequate support from midfield.
A Flowing but Flawed Midfield
Argentina’s midfield possesses the ability to dictate the pace of the game, allowing for intricate plays and quick exchanges that can overwhelm opponents. However, their Achilles’ heel lies in their lack of stamina compared to other teams. None of their midfield players rank high on the sprinting charts for this World Cup. Jude Bellingham has been instrumental for England with his tireless performances, and he may find opportunities to make a significant impact. Declan Rice, if fit, could also exploit the midfield’s weaknesses with his explosive runs. While Enzo Fernández and Mac Allister have both scored key goals, they have been vulnerable defensively, especially against Egypt. At 32, De Paul is beginning to show signs of age, and Scaloni will be concerned that an exhausted Leandro Paredes, who was tasked with shielding the defense after a near disaster versus Cape Verde, was unable to finish the match on Saturday. Argentina’s struggles to regain control when outmatched in midfield are evident.
Moments of Genius
Argentina thrives on moments of brilliance, a trait that can be both advantageous and detrimental. Despite facing challenges in their knockout matches, they often find confidence in the belief that a pivotal player will step up. Messi delivered crucial performances during the group stage and rescued his team against Egypt when they seemed on the brink of defeat. Lautaro Martínez also played a vital role, assisting with a beautiful cross for Fernández’s winning goal. Even when the team struggles to maintain momentum, the presence of star players allows them to produce moments of magic. Scaloni remarked, “Ultimately we always find the solutions,” indicating that there are circumstances that cannot be fully anticipated.
Getting Physical
After celebrating their latest progression to the semi-finals, Scaloni reflected on a concern that had been troubling him: the difficulty in winning duels and completing multiple passes. The physicality of Switzerland’s players disrupted Argentina, who were significantly shorter in stature than their opponents. This issue is unlikely to improve against England, a team known for its strength and endurance, which has contributed to their ability to outlast rivals. While the midfield presents a clear challenge, the duels between Harry Kane and Argentina’s center-backs will also be crucial. Cristian Romero, who made his return from a knee injury, has faced physical setbacks and was unable to play the last quarter of the match on Saturday. He has not yet reached his peak performance level, despite showing signs of his potential in the comeback against Egypt. Scaloni acknowledged, “It was very difficult for us to win the duels, to put more than five or six passes together,” emphasizing the need for Argentina to withstand England’s physical play to avoid being overwhelmed.
- World Cup 2026
- Lionel Messi
- Argentina
- England
- World Cup
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