Alan Shearer is worried that officials may prevent England from reaching the World Cup final.England face old foes Argentina on Wednesday, targeting a spot in their first World Cup final since 1966.It has not been a smooth ride up until this point, with England relying on mentality, grit and togetherness rather than fluidity to reach the semi-finals.Meanwhile, World Champions Argentina have been on a similar journey, scrapping their way through to the last four.Both sides have been scoring goals for fun, but have also struggled to keep them out.But Shearer, who represented England at three major tournaments, believes the tie could hinge on Major League Soccer referee Ismail Elfath and his VAR backups. Alan Shearer fears England could fall foul to refereeing decisions against Argentina DON'T CRY FOR ME VAR-GENTINA All the decisions that have gone in Argentina's favour at the World Cup:Egypt saw an exquisite counter-attacking goal chalked off in their round of 16 clash against Lionel Scaloni's side after it was deemed Lisandro Martinez was unfairly dispossessed.Argentina were also fortunate when new mistaken identity laws saw Switzerland attacker Breel Embolo receive a second yellow card during extra-time of their quarter-final.Embolo's second yellow was brandished for simulation - having initially given a foul against Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes - after a trip to the monitor.The incident sparked widespread debate over whether it was the correct use of the new powers or a venture into re-refereeing the game.However, the most egregious decisions came during the group stage when Lionel Messi did not see red for standing on the calf of Algeria captain Aissa Mandi.The Algerian FA also filed a complaint with FIFA after Messi went on to score a hat-trick in the tie. The Premier League's all-time top goalscorer is alarmed by the inconsistent officiating at the tournament, fearing that holders Argentina will get the rub of the green against England. Shearer reckons there has been a trend of generous decisions going in Argentina's favour. Talking to Betfair, Shearer said: ‘I'm slightly concerned that a refereeing decision or VAR could cost us against Argentina because I think the narrative from the referees and the VAR from the start of the tournament to now has changed massively.‘I did that France game when Kylian Mbappe was fouled, and the ref went to the screen - was told to go to the screen - and stuck with his decision when I thought it was a clear penalty. 'And that has totally changed over the last 10 days, two weeks, the longer the tournament's gone on.‘I have been amazed at some of the decisions that Argentina have had, particularly the one against Egypt where their Egyptian goal was pulled back and cancelled out. 'I thought that was nonsense. It is a bit of a concern when playing them.’ Shearer, who scored 30 times in 63 England appearances, is apprehensive that the rivalry between the two nations could boil over.England and Argentina have not faced each other competitively since the 2002 World Cup, where the Three Lions won 1-0 in the group stage.But Shearer was involved in a more noteworthy affair four years prior when Argentina dumped England out of the 1998 World Cup in the Round of 16 in a 4-3 penalty shootout defeat.Shearer was England captain and scored that day, but it was not enough. David Beckham saw red for kicking out at Diego Simeone after being bundled to the floor by the Argentine. The 55-year-old reckons the carnage at France '98 could repeat itself in Atlanta on Wednesday.‘There is a great rivalry between England and Argentina,' Shearer said. 'There's no doubt about that. You can see it in performances; you can see it in whatever happens after the game.‘And yeah, that defeat hurt in 1998. I remember standing at our bus and Argentina were waiting to get on their bus and they were right next to us and they were dancing and celebrating and that hurt as well. 'It hurt the way we went out because we thought we'd won it in terms of the goal we scored in golden goal, which was disallowed. 'And then it goes to penalties and then you're in the lap of the gods, aren't you? So, there's definitely a big rivalry and you can feel it out on the pitch without a doubt, and you'll see it on Wednesday. Y'You know what? It wouldn't surprise me at all on Wednesday if there's a red card. It was unbelievably tough for Beckham. 'I was captain then, it was tough. I didn't agree with the decision, but I knew if you give them any opportunity, Argentina will do that. And I get that has to be a huge point on Wednesday that if there is anything like that, then they will get you punished. 'We have to be very, very wary of that. But there were some big, huge things to come out of the match. I mean, the Michael Owen goal was incredible. Obviously, the red card, they scored a brilliant free kick. That hurt us as well. 'So, the golden goal as well. And then it goes to penalties. So, there's so much to talk about. And I have a feeling that Wednesday could be similar.''It was good to be part of it beforehand, but not after when you're hurting and the pain is tough, you know. There's a lot at stake. 'The guys have worked unbelievably hard to get to this point, as have Argentina. But I do think they're beatable. I do think if you can quiet Messi down, then you've got an incredible chance of going through to a World Cup final.'England can definitely make the final without a doubt. It's because I do think Argentina concede goals and we will score. 'So, I'm going to go for an amazing game with England to win 3-2. Bellingham and Kane to get our goals. They are our big hitters.'Elfath, 44, is familiar with Argentina star Lionel Messi – having taken charge of the 2023 Leagues Cup final, which culminated in Messi winning his first trophy at Inter Miami.He was also fourth official for the 2022 World Cup final, where Argentina beat France on penalties.