Argentine media have launched a blistering attack on England ahead of Wednesday's World Cup semi-final in Atlanta, with leading newspaper Ole accusing the English press and former players of disrespecting the reigning world champions. The front page of Monday's edition carried the message: 'England is downplaying us – respect the pecking order.'
The war of words erupted after several English pundits confidently predicted victory over Lionel Messi's Argentina. The two nations have not faced each other in 21 years, but their rivalry is among the fiercest in international football, shaped by decades of history both on and off the pitch, including Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal in 1986 and David Beckham's red card in 1998.
English Pundits' Confident Predictions Spark Backlash
Former England striker Ian Wright declared on The Rest Is Football podcast that Thomas Tuchel's side would beat Argentina to reach their first World Cup final since 1966. 'If we get to a France or a Spain, I think the level goes to another place entirely,' Wright said. 'It's got to be difficult – it's the final, isn't it? But I don't fear Argentina like I'd fear France or Spain, because I think there are a lot of fallacies with them.'
Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole, who earned 56 caps for England, was equally bullish. 'Is this the first time Messi will play England? Well, we're going to have to put him to sleep,' Cole said. 'We're going to put him to sleep. I'm saying it now, we're going to reach the World Cup final. We've got plenty of speed for Argentina and we're going to beat them. I can feel it in my bones.'
Gary Neville also weighed in, claiming Argentina's centre-back partnership of Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez could be exposed. 'They seem to give a goal away between them every single game, and the full-backs aren't great either,' Neville said. 'I call them the best, worst centre-half pairing in the world, because at times they can be unbelievable.'
Argentine Media Responds with Fury
The confidence struck a nerve in Buenos Aires. Ole's front page added: 'There is a sense of triumphalism among the English press and former players, who downplay the Argentinian powerhouse, all while their star [Jude] Bellingham and manager Tuchel are feuding in public.'
Argentina booked their semi-final spot with a 3-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland. England also needed 120 minutes to progress, with Bellingham's brace securing a 2-1 comeback win over Norway. The match on Wednesday will be the first time Lionel Messi faces England, and he is the joint-top scorer at this World Cup with eight goals.
