Former Premier League goalkeeper Brad Friedel has offered a candid assessment of Argentina ahead of their World Cup semi-final against England, suggesting the reigning champions are vulnerable and that England can reach the final for the first time since 1966.
England's Path to the Semi-Final
England face Argentina on Wednesday in a highly anticipated semi-final. The Three Lions have navigated a challenging knockout route, defeating DR Congo, Mexico (3-2 at the Stadio Azteca), and Norway (2-1 in sweltering Miami conditions). The victory over Mexico was particularly hard-fought, with England playing the second half with 10 men.
Friedel's Assessment of Argentina
Friedel, who made over 450 Premier League appearances and previously caused a stir by calling Mexico an "average side," was measured but direct in his evaluation of Lionel Scaloni's Argentina. Speaking exclusively to Express Sports on behalf of Bovada World Cup betting, Friedel said: "This Argentina side is not the same as 2022. They have struggled against Cape Verde, Egypt, and Switzerland – teams that do not have the same quality as England."
Argentina needed extra time to beat Cape Verde 3-2 in the Round of 32 and Switzerland 2-1 in the quarter-finals. They also mounted a remarkable fightback against Egypt, overturning a 2-0 deficit from the 79th minute. Friedel noted: "I saw Argentina versus Switzerland, and they looked leggy in midfield. They do defend hard, but concede chances."
Key Weaknesses Identified
Friedel highlighted that Argentina's midfield appears fatigued and that they lose 50/50 battles as games progress. He also pointed to the impact of a red card in the Switzerland match: "If Breel Embolo hadn't been sent off, Switzerland would have had the upper hand." Embolo received a second yellow card for simulation in the 72nd minute, just five minutes after Switzerland had equalised and seized momentum.
Despite Lionel Messi's eight goals in the tournament – one more than his 2022 tally – Friedel believes the talisman is less influential: "Messi still has the quality, but he isn't on the ball as much as he was in 2022."
England's Chances
Friedel concluded: "England has the quality to win. Argentina is a step up from Norway, Mexico, and Congo, but from what I've seen, England can qualify for the final." The match is set to be a fiery encounter given the historic rivalry between the two nations. England's last World Cup final appearance was in 1966, when they won the tournament on home soil.
