Argentina media fire back at England pundits ahead of World Cup semi-final

England and Argentina meet in the World Cup semi-finals on Wednesday, with Thomas Tuchel’s side facing Lionel Messi and the defending champions for the first time since a 2005 friendly — and the build-up has already turned combative.

Several prominent English pundits have publicly downplayed the threat posed by Argentina, and those remarks have provoked a pointed reaction from the Buenos Aires media. Argentine publication Olé and others accused England of underestimating a nation that has lifted the World Cup three times.

The controversy was sparked by former Arsenal striker Ian Wright, who said on the Stick to Football podcast that he did not fear Argentina the way he feared France or Spain. “There are a lot of fallacies with them,” Wright said, adding that he was convinced England would reach their first World Cup final in 60 years.

Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole, capped 56 times for England, went further, insisting the Three Lions have the pace and quality to neutralise Messi — the joint-top scorer at this tournament with eight goals. “We’re going to put him to sleep,” Cole said. “I’m saying it now, we’re going to reach the World Cup final. I can feel it in my bones.”

Gary Neville also weighed in, questioning Argentina’s centre-back pairing of Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martínez. “They seem to give a goal away between them every single game, and the full-backs aren’t great either,” Neville said, though he acknowledged the pair’s ability to produce moments of brilliance. “I call them the best, worst centre-half pairing in the world.”

The fixture carries the full weight of one of international football’s most storied rivalries — a history that includes Diego Maradona’s infamous Hand of God goal, Michael Owen’s wondergoal at France 98, and David Beckham’s red card in the same match. Wednesday’s semi-final adds another chapter, with a place in Sunday’s final the prize for the winner.