World Cup semi-final power rankings: can England reach Argentina and is France stronger than Spain?
After 100 World Cup matches, only four countries remain.
Argentina are bidding to become the first country to successfully defend their title in 64 years, while France are hoping to win a third of football’s biggest prizes.
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There is also Spain, who aim to continue their streak of winning Euro 2024.
And of course, England are also in trouble as they seek to end 60 years of injury.
There is little to separate the remaining quartet, but only one will fly out of the USA with the coveted trophy.
So, who will that be?
However, according to Gabby Agbonlahor, there is one main team and shoulders above the competition as this England player who has played three times is listed in the list of the remaining candidates for the World Cup.
When and where are the World Cup semi finals?
July 14, 8pm – France vs Spain in Arlington, Texas
July 15, 8pm – England vs Argentina in Atlanta, Georgia
All times are BST
4 – Argentina
“Lionel Messi was outstanding, Julian Alvarez finally entered the World Cup and scored a goal to make it 2-1 against Switzerland,” said Agbonlahor on talkSPORT Breakfast.
“But I look at their defenders, (Nicolas) Tagliafico, (Nahuel) Molina, (Gonzalo) Montiel, I think we can face them, I really can.
“If (Bukayo) Saka starts, if (Marcus) Rashford comes in for (Anthony) Gordon, who was not good, I think we have to use that to our advantage.
“I think we could use the guys from (Jude) Bellingham, (Declan) Rice and (Elliot) Anderson to really follow them.
“I think we will have more of Argentina. If it’s extra time, so be it.”
Argentina’s road to the semi-finals of the World Cup
Group J: Argentina 3-0 Algeria
Group J: Argentina 2-0 Austria
Group J: Argentina 3-1 Jordan
Round 32: Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde (after extra time)
Round 16: Argentina 3-2 Egypt
Quarter-final: Argentina 3-1 Switzerland (after extra time)
Semi-finalist: Argentina vs England
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Third – in Spain
“I think they lost to France,” said Agbonlahor.
“They didn’t have their biggest tournament. Lamine Yamal was sharp but they missed Nico Williams.
“Defensively they were good, they conceded only one goal. (Pau) Cubarsi and (Aymeric) Laporte had a good World Cup, but they never faced Michael) Olise, (Kylian) Mbappe, (Desire) Doue, (Bradley) Barcola, (Ousmane) Dembele.
“Cubarsi is a young defender Barcelona. Laporte is playing Saudi Arabia. Although they have Rodri and they will keep the ball very well, I just watch this French team very strong. And they (France) seem to have that mindset, ‘We lost that World Cup on penalties in 2022, it’s our time. Whoever it is, we will win.’
Spain’s road to the semi-finals of the World Cup
Group H: Spain 0-0 Cape Verde
Group H: Spain 4-0 Saudi Arabia
Group H: Spain 1-0 Uruguay
Round 32: Spain 3-0 Austria
Round 16: Spain 1-0 Portugal
Quarter-final: Spain 2-1 Belgium
Semi-final: Spain vs France
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2nd – England
“I believe we can beat Argentina,” said Agbonlahor.
“But the way we did this World Cup reaches a certain level… we play the way we used to play and the mistakes we made and those who couldn’t defend themselves in set-pieces, we will be punished.
“I’m looking for a chance to make it 2-0, (Alexander) Sorloth goes through and he has to put it on (Erling) Haaland.
“If that’s Ousmane Dembele, he’s hit Kylian Mbappe and it’s 2-0 and it’s probably game over.
“I think it will be very difficult. Even (Harry) Four timeseven with Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka coming on, our midfielders Elliot Anderson and Declan Rice, I think it will be very difficult to get past that Argentina game, what it will take out of you.
“They get a day off from us, Spain or France.
“I think it will be very difficult to beat France in the final.”
England’s road to the World Cup semi-finals
Group L: England 4-2 Croatia
Group L: England 0-0 Ghana
Group L: England 2-0 Panama
Round 32: England 2-1 DR Congo
Round 16: England 3-2 Mexico
Quarter-final: England 2-1 Norway (after extra time)
Semi-final: England vs Argentina
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1st – in France
“I think they were a championship team,” Agbonlahor said.
“There were no negatives from them. They have strong defense. If you try to block, they will pass you. If you try again. press on Up top, in the counter attack, I have never seen a team like that.
“Mbappe, dear Lord Almighty, what a way he was doing. Michael Olise was probably the star of the tournament. I look at Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola, one can start, the other can come in. I don’t think you really see the difference. Dembele was sharp. Midfielder, they have many options.
“I think this French team could be one of the biggest teams in the World Cup. I think it’s a bad team to stop at this World Cup, but with the Euros coming up and the World Cup as well.”
France’s road to the semi-finals of the World Cup
Group I: France 3-1 Senegal
Group I: France 3-0 Iraq
Group I: France 4-1 Norway
Round 32: France 3-0 Sweden
Round 16: France 1-0 Paraguay
Quarter-final: France 2-0 Morocco
Semi-final: France vs Spain
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