Argentina drawing inspiration from Maradona ahead of England semi-final, says Mac Allister

Alexis Mac Allister revealed Argentina are drawing inspiration from Diego Maradona in the lead-up to their World Cup semi-final against England.

The reigning champions qualified for the last four with an extra-time victory over Switzerland, sealed by goals from Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez.

Mac Allister also scored in the victory to help Argentina reach their sixth semi-final; they have won each of their previous five last-four ties, boasting the strongest 100% success rate in the competition's history.

However, among the teams they have played at least three times in the competition, Argentina only hold a lower win-rate against Italy (0%), Germany (14.3%) and the Netherlands (16.7%) than they do against England (20% - W1 D2 L2).

Their only win at the World Cup against the Three Lions came in 1986, when Maradona scored twice, including the infamous 'Hand of God', to secure a 2-1 win.

"We were inspired by Diego this week," said Mac Allister.

"Doing what Diego did is difficult, I'd say almost impossible. Only Leo [Messi] can do that.

"Sometimes videos from the '86 World Cup pop up on social media. They help you, and you try to watch them to draw inspiration.

"Hopefully, we can achieve something similar to what they did."

Argentina have won all six of their matches at this World Cup, now their longest outright winning run in competition history.

Each of their last four matches have also seen them net exactly three goals, as they could become just the second side in World Cup history to net 3+ goals in five consecutive matches after France, across the 2022 and 2026 editions.

The likes of Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul have never faced England during their international careers, but the latter is relishing this semi-final clash.

"I love these kinds of matches; they motivate me. There's something special that awakens something in me," said De Paul.

"I'm experiencing it with a lot of joy; it's a team I have never faced before. I have a lot of joy, excitement and anxiety.

"We are very receptive to the energy the people send us. A unique match. A semi-final against a great opponent.

"It's a football match. I hope they come to enjoy the spectacle and that when the match ends, the Argentines are very happy."