I think we're certainly on for a feisty game, Argentina V England usually delivers on that front. I think Tuchel is sensible enough to make sure his players don't rise too much to it, though the temperament of Bellingham concerns me the most.
England just have to player their game and not give the referee a decision to make. Keep it clean, aggressive and play football and I don't think Argentina have enough to go through. Bar a few moments of brilliance, they have been bang average. Yes the same could be said about England but there have been longer periods of standout play from us, against Croatia, Mexico and digging deep against low block teams. Argentina will try and play expansive football and that will unlock England.
Prediction, Argentina 1-3 England.
Some interesting stats:
- Argentina have only won twice out of 14 games between the 2 (not including shootouts, Argentina won in 1998 on penalties, counts as a draw statistically speaking).
- Lionel Messi has never faced England.
- The last fixture was 2005 which England won 3-2.
- Michael Owen is the top scorer in this fixture. (3)
- Argentina's one competitive, normal time win, over England was at the Azteca in 1986.
I fear that he might be about to find out that finding a pub to watch the England game in Dublin is harder than in Glasgow.
