World Cup 2026: England Have An Uphill Task Against Argentina –Ex-Man City Star

Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards has disclosed that England have a mountain to climb against Argentina in the semi-final of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The Three Lions reached this stage by defeating Norway in the quarter-finals, while Argentina advanced with a gritty 3-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland.

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However, Richards, in a chat with BBC Sport, warned that Messi’s unparalleled aura and spatial awareness make him a unique threat that England’s defense has never encountered before.

He emphasized that while England has the athletic edge to outrun Argentina, the entire Argentine squad is set up to serve Messi.

“We all know they didn’t play well enough (vs. Norway) to go and win the tournament. But there’s something about getting over the line,” he told BBC Sport.

“I go back to Real Madrid a couple of years ago when they beat PSG, Man City and Chelsea in the dying moments of the game. It’s just that bit of England’s game that I’m enjoying at the moment where they can find a way to win.

“They have to improve and the manager was completely right in what he said. He’s sending a message. He knows it wasn’t good enough. They got the job done – but there’s loads of work to do if you want to win the World Cup.

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“England can outrun Argentina but they just have that little genius Messi. They all play for him. Everyone should be excited.

“Marking him is impossible because he doesn’t run back. He goes into little spaces where he shouldn’t really be. He switches on at the right times [and] he’s got the best technique. His spatial awareness is fantastic. He’s got a great shot.”