Former England Star Joe Cole Confident England Will Neutralize Lionel Messi in 2026 World Cup Semifinal

The upcoming 2026 World Cup semifinal between England and Argentina continues to generate significant attention, with former England midfielder Joe Cole making bold predictions about the match. Speaking on a Netflix Sports panel alongside Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, and Micha Richards, Cole confidently stated that England will "put Lionel Messi to sleep" and advance to the final. He emphasized this point despite his fellow panelists cautioning that Messi could punish England on the field.

Cole's remarks surprised many, given his previous high praise for Messi, whom he once ranked above Cristiano Ronaldo. He had said before the tournament that Messi is the only player who has achieved everything and therefore can rest easy, unlike Ronaldo. Meanwhile, Micha Richards acknowledged the challenge England faces against the reigning world champions but highlighted England's speed advantage under coach Thomas Tuchel, expressing confidence in an English victory.

Gary Neville also weighed in, focusing on Argentina's central defenders Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez. He described them as a "best-worst" pairing, capable of both brilliant and costly mistakes, yet transforming into top defenders when playing for Argentina. The semifinal is scheduled for Wednesday in Atlanta, with anticipation building around how England will handle Messi and Argentina's defense.

No official responses from the teams have been released yet, but the confident tone from former England players underscores the high stakes and intense rivalry ahead in the World Cup 2026 semifinal clash.