AFP Sport looks at key battles likely to decide the outcome of the game at the spectacular Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with Spain waiting in the final.Messi v Guehi and O'ReillyLionel Messi has his sights set on back-to-back World Cup triumphs. But after his exertions to help drag Argentina this far, and now aged 39, does he have it in him to inspire the Albiceleste past England?
England's young left-back Nico O'Reilly is preparing to come up against Lionel Messi © ROBERTO SCHMIDT / AFP/File
The great number 10 will occupy his usual space in the inside-right position, with the freedom to drift out wide. The responsibility to keep tabs on him will likely fall to Nico O'Reilly and Marc Guehi.England's defence, which has not always looked comfortable at the 2026 World Cup, faces a tough task."It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. He's coming towards the end of his career. For me, personally, he's the best player to ever touch a football pitch," Manchester City full-back O'Reilly, 21, told the BBC.Kane and Bellingham v Romero and ParedesEngland's talismanic captain Harry Kane knows Argentina centre-back Cristian Romero inside out after playing with him at Tottenham.
Jude Bellingham scored both England's goals in their quarter-final win over Norway © ROBERTO SCHMIDT / AFP/File
