Mac Allister calls on Argentina to channel Maradona spirit in England World Cup clash
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The Argentina and Liverpool player had noticed a difference in the potency of the English side.
PHOTO: EPA
- Alexis Mac Allister says England's World Cup play lacks the Premier League's usual physical intensity, possibly due to fatigue or weather conditions.
- He emphasises the mental aspect's importance in the upcoming semi-final against England, highlighting confidence and tactical consistency for Argentina.
- Argentina faced tough matches to reach the semi-finals and expects a high-intensity, nerve-filled clash against England on July 15.
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ATLANTA – Argentina’s Alexis Mac Allister has urged his team to take inspiration from Diego Maradona as they seek to get the better of England in their World Cup semi-final on July 15.
The heavyweight showdown in Atlanta marks the renewal of a rivalry that peaked at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.
The late Maradona scored both of Argentina’s goals in the quarter-final – the infamous “Hand of God” opener and then a dazzling solo effort that is one of the greatest goals ever scored at a World Cup.
Argentina went on to win the trophy, an achievement they matched in 2022, with Lionel Messi the inspiration and Mac Allister in the side.
“I don’t know if it’s just by chance or what but in the last few days I have started seeing videos of Diego, of the ‘86 game and other things that obviously help and make you want to watch them and remember them,” Liverpool’s Mac Allister told reporters on July 14.
“Diego represents so much for the country and I hope we can do something similar to what they did in 1986,” added the midfielder, whose father Carlos played alongside Maradona for Argentina and at Boca Juniors.
The 27-year-old admitted Maradona’s skills set him apart.
“He was able to perform things he carried inside him and it is practically impossible to do those things.... Maybe only Leo (Messi) could do that.”
The July 15 game will be the first meeting of the nations at a World Cup since 2002, as Argentina aim to reach a second straight final, and a third in four tournaments.
Mac Allister said England had not played with Premier League intensity so far at the 2026 tournament.
“I play against most of them every weekend and it’s clear they’re physically very strong.
“That said, I think during this World Cup we’ve seen – I don’t know if I’d call it fatigue or not – but they haven’t played with the same intensity that characterises the Premier League.
“I don’t know if it’s to do with the heat, the climate or something else,” he said. “But obviously they are a great team and we greatly respect them.”
Mac Allister said the battle against England might, however, be won as much with the mind as with the physical confrontation.
“It’s clear that the mental side is extremely important. I think, for us and for footballers in general, the mind is the most important thing,” he said.
“Obviously, there are tactical and footballing aspects that define the sport, but the most important thing is combining those two.
“We have great confidence in ourselves. We know exactly what we’re doing, and we’re not going to change our approach.”
Argentina have already had some tight battles to get to the last four, squeezing past upstarts Cape Verde in the last-32, coming from 2-0 down to edge Egypt in the last-16 and needing extra time to dispose of 10-man Switzerland in the quarter-finals.
“It’s true that perhaps we’ve suffered a little more than we would have liked, but that’s the World Cup. It always happens because there are great national teams,” Mac Allister added.
“I imagine tomorrow’s game will be played with a lot of intensity and obviously plenty of jitters on both sides.” AFP, REUTERS
