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Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane have deservedly got the majority of acclaim for England’s World Cup campaign so far, but the Argentine press have warned their squad of two other key players to watch out for.
England and Argentina go head-to-head in the second semi-final on Wednesday in Atlanta (8pm, BST) with Spain awaiting the winner in Sunday’s showpiece.
Bellingham and Kane have spearheaded England so far with the pair having scored 12 of their 13 goals – including the former’s brace in a 2-1 after extra-time quarter-final win over Norway on Saturday.
And while their prowess has been rightfully acknowledged, Argentine media are wary of other threats posed from Thomas Tuchel’s side.
While praising Bellingham and Kane, outlet Clarin has earmarked Declan Rice as one player the reigning world champions must stop.
Writing about the Arsenal star, they put: ‘Rice is the balance. He protects the centre backs, covers the full backs’ runs forward, and gives direction to the build-up play.’
Declan Rice (left) and Elliot Anderson have been earmarked as two key players Argentina must stop if they are to beat England in the World Cup semi-final by the Argentine press
Argentina’s Clarin warn that their side must stop the midfield duo recieving the bal forwards
Alexis Mac Allister (centre left) has been urged to press the England midfielders on Wednesday
The other player Clarin note? Elliot Anderson.
‘Anderson is the thread that connects the pieces,’ they detail about Manchester City’s summer signing. ‘He makes himself available, receives the ball, turns, and makes himself available again.’
The publication doesn’t just stop there about Tuchel’s midfield base, as they explain what Lionel Scaloni’s side must do if they are to reach a second-straight World Cup final.
‘This could be one of the keys for Argentina. Scaloni will have to pressure not only the centre backs, but also Rice and Anderson. The objective will be to prevent them from receiving the ball facing forward.
‘Julian Alvarez can orchestrate the build-up play. [Rodrigo] De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, or [Alexis] Mac Allister will have to press the midfielders. [Lionel] Messi, from a freer position, can block the back pass or wait for the right moment to receive the ball behind the double pivot.
‘Argentina will also have to reduce turnovers in midfield. England is very dangerous when they win the ball back near Rice and Anderson and can quickly launch attacks to their wingers.
‘A lost ball in the centre can turn into a run by [Anthony] Gordon, a diagonal run by [Bukayo] Saka, or a dribble by Bellingham. The best way to neutralise England will be to force them to attack from a static position, close down the central spaces, and push them towards long crosses.’
Time will tell if Rice and Anderson receive such a detailed gameplan against them.
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