Joe Cole confident England will beat Argentina in World Cup semi-final

Ahead of the World Cup semi-final showdown in Atlanta, former England winger Joe Cole has expressed unwavering confidence in the Three Lions. Speaking on The Rest is Football, he insisted that Thomas Tuchel's squad possesses the necessary attributes to neutralize the threat posed by Lionel Messi.

We will have to put Lionel Messi to bed. We’re going to put him to bed. I’m saying it now, England are going to the World Cup final, we’ve got too much pace for Argentina and we’re going to beat them, I feel it in my bones! Joe Cole

England secured their spot in the final four following a 2-1 quarter-final victory over Norway, where Jude Bellingham netted a decisive brace. Argentina, conversely, faced a more arduous route, requiring extra time to overcome a ten-man Swiss side. While Messi has been a standout performer with eight goals, he failed to score in that quarter-final clash.

Opinion remains divided among pundits regarding England's status. Former Scotland international Ally McCoist acknowledged England's strength but pointed out that Argentina's defensive vulnerabilities could be exploited, even if the danger of Messi's individual brilliance remains ever-present.

For Messi, the match carries significant personal weight. He noted that facing England for the first time in his career is a "special" occasion, describing the Three Lions as a powerhouse and expressing his desire for Argentina to arrive in optimal condition for the high-stakes encounter.