Argentina's team, led by the legendary Lionel Messi, will be a formidable opponent for England in their upcoming match. However, according to a recent assessment, the English team is favored to win, a position that is shared by a former player.
The former player notes that while Argentina has a few fresh faces, including Enzo Fernandez, who has shown significant improvement, the team is not as strong as it was four years ago in Qatar. 'They are close to four years ago, but not quite because they are an ageing team,' the player said. 'There are some fresh faces, good players, and Messi, but I don't think this team is better.'
The team's experience in winning games in tournaments is a significant advantage, as they know how to speed up and slow down the game as needed. 'They master these moments, it is unbelievable,' the player said. 'Right now they have had a lot of luck as well.'
However, the player believes that England should be able to beat Argentina, especially if they can control the game and limit Messi's influence. 'England can win if they control the game and control Messi,' the player said. 'That is the one piece of the puzzle.'
The player, who has faced Messi before, knows the challenge that he poses. 'Messi just disappears at some points,' the player said. 'He goes into an area and you forget about him. You have to speak to each other more than usual.'
The key to containing Messi, according to the player, is communication among the back four. 'You need to speak to each other, explain where he will be, the right shoulder, the left shoulder,' the player said. 'It is so important for the back four to communicate with the midfield.'
The English team will need to be prepared for Messi's quick bursts of speed, which can be decisive. 'That burst of speed over the first five or six yards – he's still got it,' the player said.
