In the podcast "The Rest is Football," legend Joe Cole stated that England will "end Messi's World Cup journey" in their World Cup semi-final against Argentina.
Joe Cole said: "We have to stop Messi here, we will end him."
Richards then told Joe Cole, "You can't say that."
But Cole stood by his opinion, adding: " We will, 100%. I'm saying this now, England will be in the World Cup final. We have too much speed advantage against Argentina, we will beat them, I feel it in my bones."
Despite Joe Cole's prediction that England will advance to the final, former Scottish striker Allie McCoyest believes that the Three Lions are only "the third strongest team left in the tournament."
McCoyster said: “Right now, England is the third strongest team in the tournament. But the good news is that you’re about to face a team that I think is weaker than you. I think England is stronger than Argentina. France looks like the strongest team in this World Cup, but for now, focus on the semi-finals. Defensively, Argentina isn’t particularly outstanding. But offensively, we all know Messi can create miracles out of thin air, and that’s what you have to watch out for. However, it will definitely be a very exciting match.”
