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Argentina 2-1 England player ratings: Messi gets 9/10 with 2 assists while Chelsea & Spurs stars shine

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By:Mark Brus

Argentina have beaten England and made it to the World Cup final, with Lionel Messi and co. now preparing to take on Spain.

Anthony Gordon gave England the lead in Wednesday night’s semi-final, but Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez scored twice late on to send the Three Lions out of the World Cup.

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For England, the 60 years of hurt goes on, and they’ll have to look back at what ended up being a pretty negative performance against Argentina.

Thomas Tuchel went far too defensive after England went ahead, so it’s not exactly the players’ fault, but here’s our look at how the players from both sides rated…

Argentina 2-1 England World Cup semi-final player ratings

Jordan Pickford – 6

Reece James – 7

Djed Spence – 7

Marc Guehi – 6

John Stones – 6

Declan Rice – 7.5

Elliot Anderson – 6

Jude Bellingham – 6.5

Morgan Rogers – 7

Anthony Gordon – 7.5

Harry Kane – 6

Not too many stand-out performers there from England, but Rogers and Gordon combined well for the goal, while Rice also played his part and generally worked hard in a difficult midfield battle. James and Spence were also in good form at both ends of the pitch, with the latter particularly impressive with one last-ditch challenge in the second half.

Emiliano Martinez – 6

Nahuel Molina – 6

Nicolas Tagliafico – 6

Cristian Romero – 8

Lisandro Martinez – 7

Leandro Paredes – 7

Alexis Mac Allister – 6.5

Enzo Fernandez – 8

Giulio Simeone – 6

Julian Alvarez – 7

Lionel Messi – 9

Argentina were not exactly spectacular, but Messi and Fernandez produced when it mattered and that will give them confidence against Spain in the final. A word too to Romero, who hasn’t always been at his best in a Tottenham shirt, but who looked like a real leader at the back tonight in an important game, keeping Kane quiet throughout.

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Who do you think will win this weekend’s final now? Give us your predictions in the comments!

The post Argentina 2-1 England player ratings: Messi gets 9/10 with 2 assists while Chelsea & Spurs stars shine appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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Wayne Rooney singles out England star who can “destroy” key Argentina players tonight

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By:Mark Brus

England legend Wayne Rooney has backed Harry Kane to “destroy” Argentina’s centre-backs if he’s really on his game in tonight’s World Cup semi-final.

Spain beat France last night to book their place in the final, and now fans will be preparing to follow England vs Argentina in the second semi-final, with the Three Lions chasing a first appearance in a World Cup final since their famous victory of 1966.

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Speaking ahead of the big game, former England forward Rooney is backing Kane as the big difference-maker, as he could be too much for Lisandro Martinez and Cristian Romero if he plays at his best.

Wayne Rooney makes big Harry Kane claim

Watch below as Rooney explains how Kane could cause that duo a lot of trouble with his intelligent movement…

"If Harry Kane is on it, he'll destroy these two centre-backs" ??????? ?? pic.twitter.com/9vqdSouHMJ

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 15, 2026

“If Harry Kane is on it, they won’t be able to deal with Harry Kane,” Rooney said. “Because Harry’s a nightmare for that type of defender.”

He added: “If Harry’s just dragging them into positions where they feel a bit exposed, which they will do … it’s just about the timing of the pass and the timing of the run in behind them.

“I think if Harry is on it he will absolutely destroy those two centre-backs.”

Is this going to turn into Lionel Messi vs Harry Kane?

Football is complex and unpredictable, so to say any game is a battle between any two individuals is far too simplistic.

However, we also know that there are certain talents who are a level above the rest, and that entire game plans can revolve around.

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Kane and Lionel Messi fall into that category, as, arguably, does Jude Bellingham after the form he’s shown at this World Cup so far.

If Rooney is right and Kane can unsettle that Argentina defence, then that could be the game plan that brings England victory.

However, as Thomas Tuchel has alluded to, there also needs to be a plan for Messi, who has been in superb form at this tournament even at the age of 39.

Who do you see having the bigger influence tonight? Give us your thoughts and pre-match predictions in the comments!

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Tottenham dream of emotional reunion set to end after Bayern Munich development

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By:Ahad Shaukat

Bayern Munich are working to remove any uncertainty surrounding their leading striker before his contract situation becomes a serious distraction.

With only one year remaining on his current agreement, speculation has naturally increased, particularly as several of Europe’s biggest clubs are searching for an experienced centre-forward.

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Tottenham continue to dream of an emotional reunion, while Barcelona and Real Madrid are closely monitoring developments.

However, Bayern remain relaxed and believe the England captain is happy in Munich, leaving interested clubs waiting for a contract breakdown that may never arrive.

Contract talks leave interested clubs waiting

According to TEAMtalk, Bayern are confident Harry Kane will sign a new long-term contract, with negotiations between the club and his representatives progressing positively.

The German champions reportedly view an extension as a matter of “when, not if,” despite interest from Tottenham, Barcelona and Real Madrid.

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Kane’s existing deal expires in June 2027, as confirmed by Bayern Munich’s official player profile.

That places Bayern under some pressure to secure an agreement, as allowing talks to drift into 2027 could weaken their control over his future.

Barcelona have already explored the possibility of signing him. talkSPORT reported that representatives of the Spanish champions had made contact while Bayern planned to resume negotiations after the World Cup.

Real Madrid have also requested updates, while Tottenham remain hopeful that Kane will eventually return to north London.

Staying in Bayern Munich may be the sensible choice

Kane’s situation is very different from when he left Tottenham in 2023.

He is settled in Germany, remains Bayern’s attacking leader and continues to compete for the biggest trophies.

A Saudi Pro League move is reportedly not under consideration, while any switch to MLS would be viewed as a longer-term possibility.

Staying at Bayern is currently the most logical decision. He remains the central figure in their attack and would be difficult to replace, which should give him considerable influence during contract negotiations.

A Tottenham return would carry emotional appeal, while Barcelona or Real Madrid would offer a fresh challenge.

However, leaving a stable and successful environment at this stage of his career would involve significant risk.

“We’ll see what happens”: Tottenham ace refuses to shut the door on blockbuster transfe

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Man United ready to finance blockbuster move for England’s World Cup hero

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By:Ahad Shaukat

Manchester United’s search for an elite centre-forward could eventually lead them back to one of the biggest names in English football.

The club are understood to be watching developments in Germany closely, knowing that a rare opening may appear if Bayern Munich fail to secure their star striker on a new contract.

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From United’s perspective, the appeal is obvious. They would be signing a proven Premier League goalscorer, England captain and experienced leader capable of raising standards immediately.

The difficulty is that Bayern remain confident of keeping him, while several of Europe’s biggest clubs are also monitoring the situation.

Man United prepared to fund ambitious move

According to TEAMtalk, Harry Kane remains on Man United’s wishlist, and the club would be prepared to finance a move if a genuine opportunity arises.

The 32-year-old has entered the final year of his Bayern contract, but the German champions have been speaking with his representatives for months and reportedly view an extension as a matter of “when, not if.”

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Sir Jim Ratcliffe is a long-standing admirer and that United are ready to invest significant funds if Kane becomes available.

Barcelona and Real Madrid have made enquiries, while Tottenham continue to follow their former captain’s situation closely.

Bayern confidence leaves United waiting for an opening

Any summer deal still looks difficult. The Independent reported earlier this year that Bayern had entered intensive extension talks with Kane, whose current agreement runs until June 2027.

His extraordinary scoring record in Germany explains why Bayern are determined to avoid losing control of his future.

Man United should keep themselves informed without building their entire transfer plan around Kane. He would provide goals, leadership and the immediate authority required to improve a developing side.

However, United cannot afford to wait too long for a transfer that may never become realistic.

Bayern are confident, and competition from Madrid, Barcelona and Tottenham would make the financial package enormous.

If Kane genuinely becomes available, United should act decisively. Until then, they need alternative striker targets ready, because ambition is important, but smart planning matters even more.

Manchester United consider return to last summer’s top target as Premier League rivals relent over £100m asking price

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