Flying England need tougher warm-up tests to prepare for World Cup exam

Argentina would be great.

England need a challenge. Two of the names the FA reportedly considers as World Cup warm-up opposition are Uruguay and Japan, ranked 15^th and 19^th in the world respectively. Decent teams but England really require tougher foe to help answer some of the questions remaining about the team. Why not world champions Argentina? Their FA loves a money-spinner in Europe where many of their players are based anyway.

Lionel Messi during La Finalissima at Wembley in 2022. Photo: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images

England have never played against Lionel Messi for a start, and what a draw he would be, even at 38. He’s played with Argentina at Wembley before, but in La Finalissima against Italy in 2022. England have not taken on Argentina since 2005, too long a wait. Back then, oddly in Geneva, Michael Owen stunned Jose Pekerman’s side with two late headers. Messi played their two previous games but missed this friendly. What a game that would be: England v Messi and Argentina at Wembley. What preparation it would be.