England out for revenge against Argentina 40 years on from the Hand of God
By Neel Shelat
England aiming for a repeat of 1966
England’s only World Cup title came on home soil exactly 60 years ago. They defeated Argentina on their path to eternal glory, emerging 1-0 winners in the quarter-final thanks to Geoff Hurst’s late strike. That match is better remembered for Antonio Rattín’s controversial sending off, which eventually prompted the introduction of yellow and red cards.
La Albiceleste would have their revenge 20 years later, when Diego Maradona single-handedly led his side into the semi-final. Of course, they would go on to be crowned champions of the world in Mexico later that month.
These two sides have subsequently faced off twice at the World Cup, with Argentina winning the penalty shoot-out in the 1998 Round of 16 and England contributing to their opponents’ group stage elimination in 2002. However, this will be the first time they meet this deep into the tournament.
Subpar Argentina keep finding a way
Argentina haven’t looked near their best at this World Cup. While their attack has been firing for the most part as they are the top-scorers, they have failed to keep a clean sheet in each of their last four games. Although none of their knockout opponents were too tough on paper, they needed extra time to get the better of both Cabo Verde and Switzerland, and only advanced past Egypt with a dramatic late turnaround from a two-goal deficit.
And yet, Lionel Scaloni’s side have won all of their games at the tournament so far. Between their lack of traditional wingers, subpar defenders and continued reliance on one Lionel Messi, they certainly have their flaws. But, as the defending champions, they know what it takes to dig deep and find a way to win.
Team news
The suspended Jarrell Quansah is the only confirmed absentee, though the injured Jordan Henderson is never likely to feature. Fitness concerns for Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka continue to linger, potentially limiting their involvement.
Argentina have no major issues, so they can go all-out with their 26.
Key players
Jude Bellingham’s match-winning brace against Norway took his World Cup goals tally to 6, matching his return from LaLiga last season. Harry Kane has as many himself, meaning the duo have scored all but one of England’s 13 goals at this World Cup. Keeping Argentina quiet will be just as important for this game, though, so Elliot Anderson will have to put together his best defensive performance in midfield.
Messi’s scoring streak came to an end against Switzerland, but he did get an assist to extend his men’s World Cup record tally to 10. His club teammate Rodrigo De Paul will have a big job to do in the midfield battle, while Emiliano Martínez’s penalty-saving chops might be required if the game goes all the way.
Prediction
A close contest is to be expected, with extra time very much on the cards. Ultimately, England might just have enough to edge past Argentina thanks to their superior depth.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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