Former England and Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole has ignited debate ahead of England’s blockbuster FIFA World Cup semifinal against Argentina, declaring that the Three Lions must “put Lionel Messi to sleep” if they are to book a place in the final.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast alongside Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, Cole expressed confidence that England have the quality and pace to overcome the reigning world champions.
“We’ve got to put Messi to sleep,” Cole said.
The remark immediately drew a cautious response from former England defender Micah Richards, who warned against writing off the Argentine captain.
“You can’t say that. You can say it when there are two minutes left,” Richards replied.
Unmoved by the caution, Cole doubled down on his prediction.
“No, I’m saying it now. We’ve got the pace to deal with Argentina’s strengths. We’re going to reach the World Cup final. I can feel it in my bones,” he said.
Former Scotland striker Ally McCoist also threw his weight behind England, insisting the Three Lions are stronger than Argentina despite Messi’s presence.
“Right now, England are the third-best team left in the tournament. The good news is they’re better than their opponent. I think England are better than Argentina,” McCoist argued.
The mouthwatering semifinal has already generated intense excitement among football fans, with England hoping to dethrone the defending champions and end Messi’s quest for another World Cup triumph, while Argentina will be determined to prove their critics wrong and keep their title defence alive.
