Owen calls for improvement as England face Argentina in World Cup semi-finals
Michael Owen has called on England’s wingers and midfielders to improve as Thomas Tuchel’s side prepare for their seismic World Cup semi-final against Argentina, reports BritPanorama.
The Three Lions booked their place in the last four with a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway in Miami, with Jude Bellingham scoring twice to rescue England from elimination. However, Owen was far from impressed by the overall performance, claiming Tuchel’s side had been “played off the park” for long periods.
England have reached the semi-finals without consistently finding their best football, showing only brief flashes of their potential during victories over Croatia and Mexico. There have also been concerning spells against Ghana, Panama, and DR Congo, with Norway repeatedly exploiting England’s inability to retain possession and control the tempo of the match in the quarter-final.
Owen believes England must improve dramatically when they face Lionel Messi and Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday night. He has placed particular pressure on England’s wide players and central midfielders to provide greater support for Bellingham and captain Harry Kane. “The scary thought is, I believe we will see another level again to Bellingham in Atlanta,” Owen stated.
England’s wide attackers have struggled to make a decisive impact in front of goal during the tournament, leaving Kane and Bellingham to shoulder much of the attacking burden. Owen noted that Tuchel’s midfield has failed to exert enough authority, particularly when facing opponents capable of applying sustained pressure.
That weakness was evident against Norway as the Three Lions struggled to string together passes and spent long periods chasing the game. Owen had raised similar concerns following England’s win over Mexico, asserting that his doubts had been justified by their quarter-final performance. “I went against the grain after Mexico when I highlighted the technical flaws of the team performance and explained why a lot of what I saw that night concerned me,” he explained.
“Not everyone agreed and some thought I was being negative. I wasn’t. They were played off the park by Norway for large periods and couldn’t get control of the game. It was exactly as I feared.” Despite his criticism, Owen remains convinced England can produce their strongest display of the World Cup against Argentina, believing the South American champions’ attacking approach may suit Tuchel’s side better than opponents who have defended deep.
Argentina reached the semi-finals after beating Switzerland 3-1 following extra time and will pose England’s biggest test of the tournament so far. Owen supported Tuchel’s decision to publicly criticise his players after the Norway win rather than shielding them from scrutiny. “His players didn’t need protecting,” Owen added. “They needed reminding that there is another level. Criticism isn’t always a warning. Sometimes it’s a challenge. England can answer that against Argentina.”
As the clock ticks down to another potential historic clash, the weight of expectation looms large over Tuchel and his players — they must now translate potential into performance on the grandest stage. The stakes could not be higher, and as fans hold their breath, the challenge is clear: outshine the legends and make their own mark in World Cup folklore.
