Joe Cole backs England to beat Argentina as he claims Three Lions will ‘put Lionel Messi to bed’

Former England midfielder Joe Cole has made a bold prediction ahead of the 2026 World Cup semi-final, insisting the Three Lions have everything required to overcome Lionel Messi and Argentina.

Cole believes Thomas Tuchel’s side possess too much pace and energy for the defending champions and is confident England will reach their first World Cup final since 1966.

Cole predicts England victory

Speaking ahead of the blockbuster clash in Atlanta, Cole expressed complete confidence that England can contain Messi and book their place in the final.

“We will have to put Lionel Messi to bed,” Cole said on The Rest is Football podcast.

“We’re going to put him to bed.”

Even after fellow pundit Micah Richards questioned the bold statement, Cole remained unwavering.

“We are, 100 per cent. I’m saying it now, England are going to the World Cup final. We’ve got too much pace for Argentina and we’re going to beat them. I feel it in my bones.”

England arrive full of confidence

England secured their place in the semi-finals after defeating Norway 2-1, thanks to a match-winning brace from Jude Bellingham.

Although the performance wasn’t flawless, Tuchel’s side once again demonstrated resilience under pressure and remain unbeaten throughout the tournament.

Bellingham has emerged as England’s standout performer, while Harry Kane and the supporting cast continue to provide plenty of attacking firepower.

Argentina remain dangerous

Argentina had to work considerably harder to reach the last four.

Lionel Scaloni’s side needed extra time to eliminate Switzerland after goals from Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez finally broke the resistance of the Swiss.

Messi failed to score in that match, ending his remarkable scoring streak, but he still enters the semi-final as the tournament’s joint-leading scorer alongside Kylian Mbappe with eight goals.

His ability to decide matches with a single moment remains Argentina’s greatest weapon.

McCoist offers a more measured view

While Cole is convinced England will prevail, Ally McCoist has taken a more balanced approach.

The former Scotland striker believes France remain the strongest team left in the competition but still gives England the edge over Argentina.

According to McCoist, Argentina’s defensive vulnerabilities could offer England opportunities, although he warned that Messi is always capable of producing a moment of brilliance regardless of how the game unfolds.

A place in the final awaits

The semi-final promises to be one of the biggest matches of the tournament.

England are chasing a first World Cup final appearance in 60 years, while Argentina hope to keep alive their bid for another global title with Messi leading the charge.

Whether Cole’s confident prediction proves accurate will depend largely on England’s ability to limit Messi’s influence while capitalising on the pace and attacking quality that has carried them this far.