Soccer
Ex-England defender believes the Three Lions are the 'better team' ahead of huge semi-final clash
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England's World Cup journey continues on Wednesday, as they prepare to face Argentina in the tournament's semi-final.
It's the first competitive meeting between the two huge nations since the group stages of the 2002 finals, and it will be the first time the Three Lions come against the great Lionel Messi.
Four years on from their triumph in Qatar, not much has changed in personnel for the South Americans, and they've overcome potential upsets against both Cape Verde and Egypt to get to the final four in North America.
Yet, England have also had their struggles too, having to come from behind against DR Congo and Norway and faced criticisms over some of their performances.
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It makes for a fascinating encounter between these two big World Cup rivals, but former England defender Gary Pallister says that England just have the edge over the current holders.
Speaking exclusively to DAZN News thanks to NetBet Sport, Pallister is backing Thomas Tuchel's men to get the job done, especially given the form of their two star men.
"Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane will be key," he said.
"Both of them being fit is so important for England. I find it crazy that now people are saying we’d be nowhere without Harry Kane, but at the last Euros people were calling for him to be dropped! Everyone was saying he was done.
"His work rate alongside his goalscoring ability is incredible, and that was highlighted in the Norway game when Erling Haaland looked like a passenger. He can’t get involved in the game the same way that Kane does. He’s so clever, and he can bring other players into the game.
"Bellingham is world-class, and he has been for quite a while now, but before the tournament, people were still questioning whether he should be starting. His attitude has been questioned, but right now he’s showing just how good he can be on the biggest stage.
"England are a better team than Argentina overall and if Kane and Bellingham both perform to the same standard they have done so far, I think England will win.
"I also hope we get a good referee who doesn’t show any kind of bias, because Argentina have had a few fortunate decisions to get them to where they are right now."
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If England do get through the mammoth task of beating Messi and co, then they'll book a place in the World Cup final for the first time since 1966.
There, they'll face either France or Spain, who are in action on Tuesday night in the semi-final, and are tipped as the two favourites to win the competition.
Pallister believes that if the Three Lions do make it to New York, they'd prefer a meeting with Spain, in what would be a repeat of the Euro 2024 final.
Adding, "I think England would rather face Spain in the final. They will want revenge for the Euros. Spain and France were probably the two strongest teams heading into the World Cup, and both would be a difficult test, but I just think France are the stronger team on paper.
"France are a real threat going forward and they look very dangerous. That said, with the quality they’ve got, England would have a chance against either team in the final."
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