Wayne Rooney has identified Argentina’s defensive flaw—Lionel Messi—as a potential weakness England must exploit in the World Cup semifinal. The former Manchester United and England striker, now a pundit, argues that Argentina’s reliance on Messi in advanced positions creates gaps England’s attack could target. His analysis comes as Gareth Southgate’s side gear up for a crucial clash against Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina, with the winner advancing to the final.

What Did Wayne Rooney Say About Argentina’s Defense?

Rooney’s comments focus on Argentina’s tendency to overcommit defensively when Messi drifts forward. *“Messi can be a weakness,”* he told MSN, explaining that Argentina’s midfield and defense often stretch too high when their captain presses, leaving space behind. *“England have players who can exploit that—Kane, Saka, Foden—if they move quickly and play with directness.”* The suggestion aligns with Southgate’s recent emphasis on vertical passing and quick transitions.

Why This Matters for England’s World Cup Campaign

Argentina’s defensive structure has been a talking point since their opening-game defeat to Saudi Arabia. While they recovered to beat Poland and Mexico, Rooney’s observation highlights a recurring theme: Argentina’s defense struggles when Messi is isolated. England’s midfield, led by Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham, could disrupt Argentina’s rhythm by targeting the spaces Messi’s movement creates. *“It’s about patience,”* Rooney added. *“One or two runs into those channels could break them open.”*

How Could England Exploit This Weakness?

Rooney’s tactical advice centers on three key areas:
1. Direct Play: England’s wingers, Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden, must look to stretch Argentina’s defense with early crosses or drives into half-spaces.
2. Midfield Pressure: Rice and Bellingham should press Argentina’s full-backs aggressively when Messi drops deep, forcing turnovers.
3. Set-Piece Precision: With Harry Kane leading the line, England’s corners and free kicks could target the crowded Argentine box—where Messi’s defensive positioning is less effective.

What’s Next for England Before the Semifinal?

England’s path to the final hinges on two factors: executing Rooney’s tactical suggestions and managing fatigue. Their next fixture (if applicable) will be critical, but the focus remains on the Argentina game. Southgate has already hinted at rotations, but Rooney’s insight suggests keeping the core attack—Kane, Rashford, and Foden—fresh for the semifinal. *“They’ve got the players,”* he noted. *“Now it’s about trusting them to do what they’ve trained for.”*

A Historical Perspective: Rooney’s Track Record vs. Argentina

This isn’t Rooney’s first encounter with Argentina. As England’s all-time top scorer, he faced them in the 2014 World Cup knockout stages, where his penalty miss haunted England’s exit. Yet, his understanding of Argentina’s defensive habits remains sharp. *“I know their mentality,”* he said. *“They’ll be nervous, but that’s when mistakes happen. England need to be clinical.”*