World Cup 2026: England Will Beat Argentina, Reach Final — Joe Cole

Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole has backed England to defeat Argentina in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, expressing confidence that the Three Lions will book a place in the final.

England will face defending champions Argentina on Wednesday in one of the tournament’s biggest fixtures, with a place in the World Cup final at stake.

Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Cole said England possess the quality and pace needed to overcome Lionel Messi’s side.

The former England international declared that the Three Lions would end Argentina’s campaign and advance to the final, where they will meet either France or Spain.

“We will have to put Lionel Messi to bed,” Cole said.

“We are going to put him to bed. I’m saying it now, England are going to the World Cup final.”

He added that England’s attacking speed would prove decisive against the South American champions.

“We have got too much pace for Argentina and we’re going to beat them. I feel it in my bones,” he said.

England reached the semi-finals after defeating Norway 2-1 in the quarter-finals, with Jude Bellingham scoring both goals to inspire Thomas Tuchel’s side to victory.

Argentina, meanwhile, secured their place in the last four with a 3-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland. Lionel Messi continued his remarkable tournament by becoming the first player in FIFA World Cup history to register 10 career assists.

The encounter is expected to revive one of international football’s fiercest rivalries, with both nations boasting rich World Cup histories.

England are chasing their second World Cup title after lifting the trophy in 1966, while Argentina are aiming to defend the title they won in Qatar in 2022 and claim another appearance in the final.

The winner of Wednesday’s semi-final will advance to face either France or Spain, who meet in the other last-four fixture, while the losing side will contest the third-place playoff.

With two of world football’s biggest nations battling for a place in the final, the match is expected to be one of the highlights of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.