By Kris Gonzo | Senior Football Columnist (Follow on X)
Having watched Spain pass France off the park to reach the World Cup final last night, it would be remiss of me not to discuss tonight’s huge World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina.
I have to admit, it sort of crept up on me that Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions are now only two steps away from football’s ultimate prize.
No doubt the fact this tournament has been played in a different time zone hasn’t helped.
Overall, though, I’ve seen some decent football.
It has to be said, however, that last night’s semi-final wasn’t particularly entertaining.
Spain kept the ball admirably and France simply didn’t turn up, which will disappoint them given they had probably been the best side in the tournament up until then.
Scaloni Still Remembers West Ham
As for England versus Argentina, I noticed manager Lionel Scaloni reflecting on his spell at West Ham, saying:
“The West Ham people don’t have good memories of me. I didn’t leave on good terms.”
He’s not wrong.
I was there that day in Cardiff in 2006 when his mistake helped Liverpool beat West Ham in the FA Cup Final.
As far as I’m concerned, we owe him one.
England Must Ignore The Background Noise
The build-up in Argentina has, predictably, focused on the Falklands, or the Malvinas as they’re known there.
I suspect we’ve not heard the last of that.
It certainly appears to provide extra motivation to an Argentina side who already play with plenty of edge and a sizeable chip on their shoulder, as anybody who watched the World Cup final four years ago will remember.
As for England, I doubt many of the players fully understand where that emotion comes from.
Most weren’t even born when the Falklands conflict took place, and the subject simply doesn’t occupy the same place in the public consciousness here as it does in Argentina.
England simply have to concentrate on playing football.
The Midfield Could Decide It
Jude Bellingham has been nothing short of sensational throughout the tournament, combining match-winning moments with leadership that belies his 22 years.
The return of Declan Rice will also be pivotal.
I genuinely believe England’s midfield of Rice, Elliot Anderson and Bellingham is stronger than anything Argentina can put together.
Of course, the Three Lions will still have to contend with the effervescent, Peter Pan-like Lionel Messi.
Let’s be honest, the man remains a genius.
Everything good Argentina do tends to flow through him.
Pace Could Be England’s Weapon
That said, I do believe Argentina are vulnerable to pace.
For that reason, England’s wide players really need to be at their best tonight.
On too many occasions, Noni Madueke has shown plenty of endeavour and willingness, but his final ball and technique have let both himself and the team down.
Personally, I’d start Bukayo Saka.
I also believe there’s a strong case for Jed Spence because his pace and athleticism offer England something very different.
The same argument could be made for Anthony Gordon or even Marcus Rashford.
With Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham providing the quality through the middle, it may seem strange to focus so heavily on England’s wide players.
But I genuinely believe that’s where tonight’s game could be won or lost.
Kick-off is at 8pm BST.
You can’t just blame Scaloni for us not winning the Cup in 2006.
Blimey, I’m more nervous now than I was before if only ‘most’ players weren’t even alive in 1982! Sounds like West Ham’s average squad age under Moyes😆.
With Saka struggling for fitness and Madueke being very disappointing, the error of not taking Bowen is now obvious to many of the “experts”.
Talking of Messi Gonzo, do you remember when he trained at West Ham and played with our youth team? I think Argentina were playing in London, but can’t remember the exact reason he and the team ended up at our training ground