Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole and Manchester United legend Roy Keane have differed in their predictions ahead of England’s 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final against defending champions Argentina.
The two football pundits expressed contrasting views on the blockbuster encounter scheduled for Wednesday, with Cole backing the Three Lions to reach the final, while Keane believes Lionel Scaloni’s side will edge the contest.
England booked their place in the last four after defeating Norway in the quarter-finals, while Argentina overcame Switzerland 3-1 after extra time to keep alive their hopes of retaining the World Cup title.
Cole is confident England have what it takes to stop Lionel Messi and end Argentina’s campaign.
“We will have to put Lionel Messi to bed,” Cole said on The Rest is Football podcast.
“We are going to put him to bed. I’m saying it now, England are going to the World Cup final.
“We have got too much pace for Argentina and we’re going to beat them. I can feel it in my bones.”
However, Keane believes Thomas Tuchel’s men will fall short against the reigning world champions.
Speaking on Stick to Football, the former Republic of Ireland captain said Argentina possess the experience and quality to find a way through in a closely contested match.
“Truthfully, I think they’ll come up short against Argentina, and I think definitely against France,” Keane said.
“Spain might be different if they get the job done against Spain, but I think there is too much there. I think Argentina would just find something in a tight game.”
The winner of the England-Argentina clash will face either France or Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
