Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has retracted his previous comments about England’s chances of winning the World Cup.
He has been a key player for Argentina at this tournament, scoring the opening goal in their quarter-final victory over Switzerland.
Mac Allister and his teammates will soon face England for a place in the final against Spain, following their 2-0 win against France.
In the build-up to the second semi-final, the Liverpool man appears to have changed his opinion on Thomas Tuchel’s side.
Alexis Mac Allister clarifies comments about England before the World Cup semi-final
In an interview with Sky Sports during the 2025/26 Premier League season, Mac Allister named his biggest World Cup contenders.
“Spain and France are really strong, but I always feel like Argentina and Brazil have a chance,” the midfielder explained.
Redknapp then asked Mac Allister if he considers the Three Lions among the favourites to win the tournament.
He responded: “Do you think you have a chance?” Meanwhile, his facial expression suggested it was a ridiculous question.
However, ahead of England’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina, Mac Allister has shown them far more respect.
He insisted he was only joking with Redknapp and that he always thought England had the players and manager to reach the final four.
“No, I’m not surprised,” Mac Allister said this week. “I understand what you’re saying because it was an interview with Jamie at Liverpool, and it was a bit of a joke.
“At the same time that I said they were not going to be in this situation, I said they have amazing players and a really good coach.”
Even if he was joking, Mac Allister may have given the English players even more motivation to beat Argentina.
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