Argentina's midfield poses bigger threat than Messi for England

To reach a first World Cup final since 1966, England must control the game before Lionel Messi controls it for them.

Spain defeated France in the first semifinal; the winner of Argentina vs England will face Spain in the final.

Argentina have not faced England for 21 years in international football and 24 years at the World Cup.

Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, and Alexis Mac Allister establish control through short passing and rotations before Messi receives possession.

Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, and Jude Bellingham must resist chasing Argentina's midfield to disrupt the supply before Messi dictates.