Joe Cole (foto: Posnetek zaslona)
Joe Cole has stirred huge controversy ahead of the World Cup semi-final after boldly claiming England have the perfect plan to stop Lionel Messi.
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The countdown to the World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina has taken another dramatic twist after former England international Joe Cole delivered a message that is already causing outrage among Argentine supporters.
Speaking to the BBC, the former Chelsea and West Ham midfielder made it clear he believes England will have no trouble dealing with Lionel Messi.
"Is this Messi's first time playing against England? Well, we're going to put him to sleep. We're just going to put him to sleep, 100 percent!" Cole said.
He did not stop there.
"I'm telling you now, we're going straight to the World Cup final. We're too fast and too strong for the Argentines. We're going to beat them. I feel it in my bones."
The comments immediately sparked strong reactions, adding even more tension to one of football's greatest rivalries.
One remarkable detail makes the occasion even more historic. Despite becoming Argentina's all-time appearance leader and playing for more than two decades, Messi has never faced England at the senior international level. Wednesday's semi-final in Atlanta will be the first meeting of his career against the Three Lions.
Both teams needed extra time to reach the last four. England defeated Norway 2-1 thanks to two goals from Jude Bellingham, while Argentina overcame Switzerland 3-1 after another dramatic knockout battle.
History slightly favors England. In 14 previous meetings, the Three Lions have recorded six victories, alongside five draws and three defeats.
Yet no England versus Argentina clash is remembered more vividly than the 1986 World Cup, when Diego Maradona produced one of football's most unforgettable performances. First came the infamous "Hand of God", followed minutes later by the dazzling solo run widely regarded as the greatest goal in World Cup history.
Joe Cole believes England finally has the answer to Argentina's greatest star. Messi now has the perfect opportunity to respond in the only place that truly matters, on the pitch.