Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has predicted England to beat holders Argentina in tonight's 2026 FIFA World Cup second semifinal in Atlanta tonight (July 15), with both teams needing extra time to win their last-eight games.
The Three Lions beat Norway 2-1, with Jude Bellingham cancelling out Andreas Schjelderup's 36th-minute opener before striking the winner three minutes into the extra period.
Meanwhile, the Albiceleste overcame Switzerland 3-1, with Alexis Mac Allister's 10th-minute opener getting cancelled out by Dan Ndoye early in the second period. Five minutes later, Breel Embolo received a second yellow for simulation, but Murat Yakin's side held on for extra time.
Their resistance was finally ended by a wonderful Julian Alvarez 112th-minute strike before substitute Lautaro Martinez confirmed the win in stoppage time.
Making a reference to how France were outclassed by European champions Spain in a 2-0 defeat in the first semi-final in Dallas on Tuesday (July 14), Pietersen reckons the Albiceleste would play similarly, ending their title defence.
Romping into the last four with six straight wins, keeping four clean sheets - including three in the knockouts - Didier Deschamps' side couldn't cope with La Roja's midfield masterclass.
Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring in the 22nd minute from the spot following Lucas Digne's foul on Lamine Yamal before defender Pedro Porro finished a brilliant move he had started 13 minutes into the second period.
The defeat marked the first time since 2010 that Les Bleus lost a FIFA World Cup match by two goals as La Roja reached the title match for the first time since their title-winning campaign in that edition.
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni steered clear of taking a dig at former English players criticising the Albiceleste ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal tonight in Atlanta.
Riding a record 11-game winning streak, the Albiceleste are within two wins of a successful title defence as they prepare for a stern test of their title credentials against the 1966 champions.
Responding to former English players criticisng his team, Scaloni said (as per Albiceleste Talk):
Thomas Tuchel's England haven't met the Albiceleste at the FIFA World Cup since a 1-0 group-stage win in 2002 in Sapporo, with the last knockout clash between them in the 1998 Round of 16 in Saint Etienne going Argentina's way on penalties.
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