Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni shut down criticism of his team's World Cup form ahead of the semifinal against England on Wednesday. "The team isn't playing as bad as people say. We must have done something right to reach this stage," Scaloni said, noting three titles and a fourth consecutive semifinal appearance. He expressed gratitude to the players and said the squad is ready to give everything.\n\nArgentina topped Group J with wins over Algeria, Austria, and Jordan, then eliminated Cape Verde, Egypt, and Switzerland in the knockout rounds.

The defending champions needed extra time against Cape Verde and Switzerland and rallied from 2‑0 down versus Egypt, sparked by star Lionel Messi facing England for the first time. Argentina also won the 2021 and 2024 Copa América titles.\n\nAsked about the Falkland Islands dispute, Scaloni insisted the match is purely sporting: "It is a football match... we shouldn't confuse the two." The winner will meet Spain in the final on July 19 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.