Troy Deeney has stated that he expects Argentina to eliminate England from the World Cup should the two sides meet in the semi-finals. The former Watford striker shared his concerns about Thomas Tuchel's team ahead of their quarter-final clash with Norway on Saturday.
Deeney's Criticism of England's Performance
Speaking to The Sun, Deeney said: "England haven't dominated one period of any game. My wife said to me the other day, that every time I speak about England, I sound like I hate them. I don't, I just have an expectation. It's about what I'm told and what I see. We were told by Thomas Tuchel, we were going to be front footed and we were going to see a real different England. I haven't seen that yet in this tournament."
Deeney added: "My comparison is what he's told me, not what I've made up. It's not like I have this unrealistic expectation. Every single game I've watched, I've been left with more questions. I don't subscribe to the theory that because England won, we're going to win the World Cup."
Concerns Over Argentina and Norway
If England beat Norway, they will face either Switzerland or Argentina in the semi-finals. Deeney believes Argentina could end England's hopes of a second World Cup title. He explained: "It's going to be tough because we've struggled to break down well-organised low block teams. They're [Norway] a big team, so they're not going to be afraid of set pieces. In fact, they're going to try to impose themselves. Theirs is a together team, a team that has no fear, because every time they're just making history. And they've got that fella [Erling Haaland] up front."
Deeney concluded: "I'm expecting us to win but at the moment I'd still fancy Argentina to beat us in the semi-final if we both get there. It's time we put a performance together."
England's Path to the Semi-Finals
England reached the quarter-finals after a memorable victory against Mexico at the Azteca. Argentina, meanwhile, staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Egypt. France and Spain are also in action in the other quarter-finals, with France facing Morocco and Spain taking on Belgium. England will avoid those pre-tournament favourites until at least the final.
