Former Argentina and Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has claimed that England's players lack the 'unity' and 'close-knit' bond that exists within Argentina's squad, a factor he believes could prove 'crucial' in tonight's World Cup semi-final at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Aguero highlights key difference between squads
Speaking to ESPN, Aguero argued that England's structure leads to players being less connected off the pitch. 'What England lacks, which is perhaps what Argentina has, is that they aren't usually a very united team,' he said. 'United in the sense that on the field everyone gets along well and connects. But it's due to the structure that England has, not because they don't get along, but because each player, due to how they were raised or their customs, goes to training, plays, and maybe doesn't talk to anyone – then they go home. Argentina has all that in reverse.'
Aguero, who represented his country at three World Cups, believes Argentina's close-knit nature prevents internal conflict. 'Argentine players are very close-knit, very friendly, and we remain friends on the pitch,' he added. 'That ends up being crucial for winning, because there's no anger or bad blood within the group. Perhaps in England, when things aren't going well, you can see them start arguing with each other and conflict arises. That's where we're strongest, in the group.'
Argentina's path to the semi-final
Argentina, the defending champions, have had a challenging route to the final four, surviving scares against Cape Verde and Egypt before edging past Switzerland in extra-time in the quarter-finals. Lionel Messi, at 39, has been in outstanding form, scoring eight goals and providing two assists in the tournament. England, meanwhile, have also impressed in attack, led by captain Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, who scored twice in their dramatic quarter-final win over Norway.
Tuchel responds to criticism
England manager Thomas Tuchel admitted his side had been 'lucky' and 'made life difficult for themselves' in the quarter-final victory over Norway, a comment that reportedly upset Jude Bellingham. However, on the eve of the semi-final, Tuchel noted a 'switch of energy' within the camp. 'We want to take the next step,' he explained. 'I like the switch of energy in our camp. I feel the players are very excited. I feel they're very ambitious for this semi-final. No one is satisfied and that's exactly the right mixture to have the performance that we need for tomorrow.'
The winner of tonight's match will face Spain, who defeated France to reach the final.
