England's Joe Cole Provokes Argentina Ahead of Potential World Cup Semifinal: 'Put Messi to Sleep'

Former England international Joe Cole has ignited pre-match tensions ahead of a potential World Cup semifinal clash between England and Argentina. Cole asserted that England possesses the necessary speed and strength to defeat Argentina and controversially suggested they would "put Messi to sleep."

Speaking on the program The Rest is Football alongside fellow former stars Micah Richards, Gary Lineker, and Alan Shearer, Cole expressed confidence in England's chances. "We have speed and strength to beat Argentina. We will beat them and play the final," he declared. When asked about facing Lionel Messi for the first time, Cole's provocative response was, "We have to put him to sleep."

Richards cautioned Cole against such bold predictions before the match, humorously suggesting they could revisit the sentiment in eight months. The potential semifinal is steeped in history, representing not only a significant World Cup fixture but also a rematch laden with historical and political undertones between the two nations.

The two teams have met five times in World Cups: England has won three (1962, 1966, 2002), Argentina one (1986), and one match ended in a draw (1998), with Argentina advancing on penalties. The 1966 quarterfinal, marked by the controversial expulsion of Argentina's Antonio Rattín, led to the introduction of yellow and red cards in the tournament. In 1986, Diego Maradona's two goals secured Argentina's victory in another quarterfinal encounter.

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Tenemos velocidad y fuerza para ganarle a la Argentina. Les vamos a ganar y vamos a jugar la final