He Played with Saka at Arsenal, Now Thriving in Slovakia. Trenčín Icon Has Mixed Feelings About Argentina

June marked 40 years since the unforgettable clash between Argentina and England at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. That match, decided in favor of the South Americans, featured Diego Maradona's legendary "Hand of God" goal and his breathtaking solo run from his own half – a testament to the adored and reviled football phenomenon.

These two nations, whose histories are intertwined with more than just sporting rivalry, have played other intense encounters at the highest level. Figures like David Beckham and Diego Simeone, for instance, played crucial roles in those matches.

Now, they face off in a match that could arguably be ranked even higher in overall significance. The winner will advance to the 2026 World Cup final, where they will meet Spain on Sunday, July 19th. The losing team will play France for third place.

Ahead of the England-Argentina semi-final, ŠPORT.sk reached out to players from both countries who are well-known to Slovak fans from their time in the local leagues.

"I have mixed feelings right now. Our team progressed through the group stage without issues, but they've struggled since the round of sixteen. The match against Switzerland confirmed that. We have experience and quality, but whether it will be enough against England, I don't know," mused Argentinian Aldo Baez, a long-standing and integral part of AS Trenčín's midfield. He also played for Trnava, Podbrezová, and Sereď in the top Slovak league.

He holds a healthy respect for the opponent his countrymen, led by the phenomenal Lionel Messi, will face in the semi-finals.

"England has a strong squad with experienced and excellent players who can make a difference in a match. They showed their quality in the quarter-finals against Norway and deserve to be where they are. I'm really looking forward to tonight's game," admitted Baez, who, after playing for second-tier Šamorín, spent last season with Nové Mesto nad Váhom. He is currently an assistant coach for Trenčín's U19 team.

When predicting the outcome, he didn't deny his roots.

"It will be a tough match, possibly decided by a single goal. One mistake can change everything, just like in the first semi-final between France and Spain. I hope and believe Argentina will advance," commented the 37-year-old native of Buenos Aires.

"England is having a successful tournament so far, with immense quality and experience in their squad. In crucial moments, the team can keep a cool head and find ways to see matches through to a winning conclusion. They are constantly improving as the tournament progresses," says MFK Zemplín Michalovce midfielder Ben Cottrell, a member of the English mini-enclave in Zemplín.

Naturally, when characterizing the Three Lions' semi-final opponent, he couldn't overlook Lionel Messi. However, for the reigning world champions, it's not just about their captain.

"Argentina is also delivering impressive performances. They play confidently, their players fight for each other, and they possess immense quality in attack, including Messi. They fight until the very end and are among the strongest teams in the tournament," emphasized Cottrell, a former youth international whose market value has steadily increased since his arrival in Slovakia.

He also believes we will witness a very evenly matched game, but with one significant difference – the birthplace of football will emerge victorious.

"Both teams have enough quality to win, so details could be decisive. I expect a hard-fought encounter. I predict England will win 3-2," forecasts the 24-year-old creative midfielder, who grew up in his homeland at a prestigious academy where he played alongside a player who could easily decide this semi-final battle.

"I know Bukayo Saka. We played together in the same age group at the Arsenal academy. It's great to watch his progress, and I'm incredibly happy with how well he's doing for both his club and the national team. It fills me with pride," revealed Arsenal London junior captain Ben Cottrell, speaking about his former club teammate.