Quote · The Rest Is Football
Bellingham saves England and sets up semi-final v Argentina and Messi
Where this was said
Semi-Final Preview: England vs Argentina
At 24:55 · chapter starts 24:35
The episode closes with a genuine preview debate. Ally McCoist is refreshingly honest: England are the third-best team remaining, behind France and Spain. But crucially, they are better than Argentina, and that's all that matters right now. Joe Cole is even more bullish, arguing England's pace and energy on the transition is too much for Argentina's legs. The panel nod along — Argentina are wily, they're winners, and Messi is still capable of one piece of magic that changes everything. Switzerland defended magnificently under 10 men and still needed an Alvarez wonder goal to beat them. But England head into that game with confidence, momentum, and two superstars in form. The episode signs off with the tantalising prospect of Messi vs England at a World Cup for the very first time. [1] — Ally McCoist "McCoist thinks England are the third-best team left but better than Argentina. Joe Cole argues England's pace on the transition is too much…" 24:35
McCoist thinks England are the third-best team left but better than Argentina. Joe Cole argues England's pace on the transition is too much for Argentina's ageing legs. And Messi, while not prolific in this tournament, is one piece of brilliance away from ending it all.
Ally McCoist's honest assessment: England are the third best team remaining in the tournament, but they are better than Argentina and should make the final.
