Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni shared his expectations for the 2026 World Cup semifinal against England. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
The specialist thanked his players for reaching the top four of the tournament and emphasized that the Argentines still dream of the final. Scaloni stated that his team should appreciate the fact of reaching the semifinals, but not stop there. According to him, Argentina has once again proven that it remains among the strongest teams in the world.
"I am grateful to these guys who have brought us to the semifinals again. We are once again among the best teams in the world. If we are here, it means we have done something right. No match is like the previous one. We will try to improve the areas where we were not at our best. Our dreams are still alive," Scaloni was quoted as saying by Championat.
The coach also noted that Argentine players have always given their all on the field, but in the semifinal it is important not only to fight but also not to forget to play football. Scaloni urged the team to enjoy the moment and not perceive the match solely through the pressure of the result.
"My players have always given their all on the field. But we must not forget to play football – that is the most important thing. I tell them to enjoy this moment. We should be happy, inspired, and grateful to these players. We always listen to the players, because they are the ones who go on the field," added the Argentina head coach.
Scaloni did not rule out changes to the lineup for the match against England. According to the specialist, the final decision will depend on the team's readiness, and the starting places will go to the players who are in the best form right now.
"There may be some changes depending on how we prepare for the match. You will know everything. Our idea is to go on the field with the best we have. The guys are in good shape. The team that plays in the semifinal is the team I consider the best. No player goes on the field for what he has done, but for what he is doing now," Scaloni stated.
According to Scaloni, England has strong players whom Argentina will try to neutralize. At the same time, his team's main idea is to control the ball and minimize problems after losing it.
"The opponent has excellent players whom we will try to neutralize. We must appreciate what we have achieved. We will leave all our strength on the field to try to reach the final. We have more than enough desire and ambition to achieve more. Our idea is to possess the ball, and when we lose it, try to suffer as little as possible," Scaloni concluded.
The 2026 World Cup semifinal between Argentina and England will take place on the night of July 16. The winner of this pair will meet Spain in the final, which earlier defeated France 2-0.