Joe Cole believes England have everything they need to end Lionel Messi's World Cup dream, insisting Thomas Tuchel's side will overcome Argentina and book their place in the final.
The former Chelsea and England midfielder has made a bold prediction ahead of Wednesday's semi-final, arguing that England's pace and defensive organisation will prove too much for the reigning world champions.
Cole convinced England can stop Messi
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Cole had no doubts when asked how England should approach the biggest threat in the Argentina team.
"We'll have to stop Lionel Messi. And we're going to stop him."
When fellow pundit Micah Richards questioned whether he was tempting fate, Cole doubled down.
"We definitely will, 100 per cent. I'm saying it now: England are going to the World Cup final. We're too quick for Argentina and we're going to beat them. I can feel it in my bones."
It's the strongest prediction yet from a former England international ahead of what promises to be one of the biggest matches of the tournament.
England arrive with confidence
England reached the semi-finals after a hard-fought 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway, with Jude Bellingham scoring twice to send Tuchel's side through.
It wasn't England's most convincing display of the competition, but they showed resilience once again, finding a way to win despite being pushed all the way by an impressive Norwegian side.
Argentina also needed extra time to reach the last four, eventually defeating Switzerland thanks to goals from Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez.
For the first time at this World Cup, Messi failed to find the net, although the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner still enters the semi-final as one of the tournament's leading scorers with eight goals, level with Kylian Mbappé.
McCoist also fancies England's chances
Cole isn't the only former player backing England.
Ally McCoist believes Tuchel's side have enough quality to beat Argentina, although he stopped short of making them favourites to win the tournament.
"At the moment England are probably the third-best team left in the competition. France have looked the strongest side.
"But the good news is you're playing a team I think you're better than. I think England are better than Argentina. Defensively they can be exposed, but with Messi you always know he can produce something out of nothing. That's what makes this such a brilliant game."
Messi embracing the challenge
Messi, meanwhile, is relishing the occasion.
The Argentina captain revealed this will be his first senior international against England and admitted the fixture carries extra significance.
"Playing against England is special because they are one of football's great nations. I've played against almost everyone during my career except England, so that makes it even more special.
"It's a World Cup semi-final against a great team and we'll prepare in the best possible way."
With a place in the World Cup final at stake, all eyes will inevitably be on whether England can do what Cole confidently predicts—keep Messi quiet.
Key Points
- Joe Cole believes England will eliminate Lionel Messi and reach the World Cup final.
- England face Argentina in Wednesday's World Cup semi-final.
- Jude Bellingham inspired England past Norway in the quarter-finals.
- Messi has scored eight goals at the tournament despite drawing a blank against Switzerland.
- Ally McCoist also believes England have the quality to beat Argentina.
What's next?
England and Argentina meet on Wednesday for a place in the World Cup final. Tuchel's side are chasing their first appearance in the tournament's showpiece since 1966, while Messi is aiming to lead Argentina one step closer to another world title in what could be one of the defining matches of the competition.
Can England finally stop Lionel Messi, or will the Argentina captain produce another World Cup masterclass?
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