World Cup: ‘There’s None Better Than Him’ — Bothroyd Backs Spence to Stop Messi

Former England striker Jay Bothroyd believes Tottenham Hotspur defender Djed Spence could play a crucial role in helping the Three Lions contain Lionel Messi when they face Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final.

England will meet the defending champions on Wednesday, July 15, in Atlanta, with a place in the World Cup final at stake.

Messi has been one of the standout performers of the tournament, scoring eight goals and providing two assists in six appearances to emerge as one of the leading contenders for the Golden Ball award.

Stopping the Argentine captain is expected to be one of England manager Thomas Tuchel’s biggest tactical challenges ahead of the high-profile encounter.

Bothroyd believes Spence has the defensive qualities needed to limit Messi’s influence and suggested the defender should start on the left side of England’s defence.

The 25-year-old has featured in all six of England’s matches at the tournament, making two starts while operating at both right-back and left-back.

With Reece James unavailable through injury and Jarell Quansah suspended, Spence is widely expected to have an important role in the semi-final.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Bothroyd argued that Spence would provide stronger defensive cover against Messi than England’s regular left-back Nico O’Reilly.

“Especially when he plays on the left-hand side. I feel like if you’ve got Spence in that position, as a one-on-one defender there’s none better than him out there,” Bothroyd said.

He added that Tuchel could view Spence as the ideal player to take on the difficult task of restricting Messi.

“Maybe Tuchel will be looking at that and thinking he’s someone who could get stuck into Messi,” he said.

England are aiming to reach their first World Cup final since 1966, while Argentina hope to secure consecutive appearances in the tournament’s showpiece after winning the title in Qatar four years ago.

The clash is expected to be one of the biggest matches of the competition, with Messi seeking another opportunity to lead Argentina to World Cup glory and England hoping to end decades of frustration on football’s biggest stage.

All eyes will be on Tuchel’s tactical decisions as the Three Lions attempt to stop one of the greatest players in football history and book their place in the final.