Mac Allister: Premier League experience can help against England

Argentina are set for a massive World Cup semifinal clash against England on Wednesday in Atlanta. La Albiceleste booked their place after a quarterfinal victory that saw goals from Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez, and Alexis Mac Allister. Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister believes his weekly experience in the English Premier League could be a hidden weapon. "We all want to play this game. We all want to reach the World Cup final. We are super Argentines—we love our country and our national team. All we want to do is represent our team in the best way. It's not something special (that I play in England), but maybe it's a help I have—knowing them and playing against them every weekend," Mac Allister told reporters. He also cautioned that past Argentine success doesn't guarantee an easy ride. "They have top-level players, guys who play in big teams and face these kinds of situations," he added. Adding to the drama, Lionel Messi will face England at a World Cup for the first time in his legendary career. "I've played against everyone except England, and this is a special match because they are a big nation, a powerful team. It's always nice to play against such a team, especially in a World Cup semifinal," the captain said after the quarterfinal. Rodrigo De Paul emphasized that the high stakes fuel his fire. "Everyone knows I love these matches. They motivate me because they have a special element that awakens many feelings. I'm really looking forward to it," De Paul said. The winner will advance to the final on July 19, where they will face either France or Spain.