Jamie Carragher has urged England to have a 'plan' to stop Lionel Messi but believes the Argentina superstar's defensive frailties can be 'exploited' in the World Cup semi-final. The former England international pointed out that Messi's habit of 'walking about' when the opposition has the ball leaves Argentina vulnerable, as they effectively defend with only nine outfield players.
Carragher's tactical analysis
Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher said: 'Listen, it's nothing new with Messi. He's been around for 20 years and no one has found the answer to stop him. You're up against genius but there has to be a plan. I don't think it'll be a man-marking job from the England squad but they will have to have a plan.'
Carragher highlighted that Argentina's goalkeeper and centre-backs give them a 'slight advantage' over England man for man. 'I'd say Argentina just but there's very, very, very little in it,' he added. 'I think Argentina probably have the slight advantage in probably goalkeeper and centre-backs and the rest is much of a muchness really.'
Messi's impact and injury scare
Messi, aged 39, has been instrumental for Lionel Scaloni's side, racking up eight goals and two assists in an incredible campaign. In Argentina's quarter-final win over Switzerland, Messi suffered a blow to the eye in a collision with Granit Xhaka but brushed off the knock. Leandro Paredes and Cristian Romero have also been passed fit after being forced off early in that match.
Exploiting Messi's defensive weakness
Carragher stressed that England should look to exploit Messi's lack of defensive work. 'He walks about when the opposition have got the ball so that doesn't mean England's left-back should just stand next to him for the whole game. You can exploit that. Argentina only defend with nine outfield players whereas the majority of teams in world football now defend with ten outfield players, so that's something England have got to look to exploit.'
Bellingham's threat
Carragher also praised Jude Bellingham, who has scored six goals at the tournament, including a crucial brace against Norway. 'It's difficult to stop Jude Bellingham. He hasn't been at the top of the game as long as Messi but he's certainly been around a long time now and it is very difficult,' Carragher said. 'I think he's a completely different to Messi, who wants the ball to his feet, dribbling between the lines, whereas Bellingham is more powerful and making runs into the box and finishing.'
Tuchel's management style
Carragher defended Thomas Tuchel after the manager's post-match comments about England's performance against Norway sparked a reaction from Bellingham. 'I didn't think there was anything wrong at all with Thomas Tuchel's comments. He's probably a little bit emotional after the game, England didn't play particularly well and could've easily lost that game against Norway,' Carragher explained. 'That's one of his plus points. He tells you straight.'
Historical rivalry
Carragher noted that the historical rivalry between England and Argentina, stemming from the Falklands War and Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal, may not resonate with the current squad. 'A lot of these players in the squad now… we're talking 40 years ago or more so a lot of the players now, it'll be difficult for them to remember what was going on in that day,' he said. 'But when you think of England rivals then you naturally think of Scotland, Germany, and you also think of Argentina, so they're our three rivals.'
