Alexis Mac Allister makes feelings clear on England before World Cup grudge match
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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesAlexis Mac AllisterAlexis Mac Allister has said he'll always respect England ahead of the semi-final showdown against Argentina on Wednesday in the FIFA World CupMac Allister has made his feelings clear ahead of the Argentina-England match on Wednesday(Image: Omar Vega, Getty Images)Alexis Mac Allister has made his feelings clear about the England World Cup team ahead of the semi-final match against Argentina on Wednesday. Despite aiming to ruin the Three Lions' World Cup dreams, Mac Allister says he will always have respect for England.The Argentinian national opened the match against Switzerland with a header as the South American nation won 3-1 in after extra time in a tense quarter final tie.Advancing in the tournament, Argentina will face England in the semi finals in Atlanta in just a few days' time.
However, ahead of the game, the Liverpool midfielder has made it clear he will always hold the England squad in high regard as he prepares to face them for the first time ever."From the first day I arrived in England - it has been six years now, if I remember correctly - people have always treated me incredibly well," Liverpool star Mac Allister said."I have nothing against that. But, obviously, on the pitch, we will give it our best."The Three Lions will be facing Argentina in the semi-finals on Wednesday(Image: Justin Setterfield, Getty Images)Hopes are high for England on Wednesday following a stellar performance in the tournament so far, but it will mark a first for the Three Lions as they go up against Argentina legend Lionel Messi.This will be their first meeting in almost 21 years.
Despite making more than 200 appearances and scoring 125 goals for Argentina, Messi has never played against the England team.Speaking ahead of the match, former Manchester City defender Micah Richards anticipates Argentina's 39-year-old secret weapon will be their biggest obstacle.Messi will be England's biggest obstacle(Image: Koji Watanabe, Getty Images)"England can outrun Argentina but they just have that little genius Messi. He switches out at the right times [and] he's got the best technique."The showdown between Argentina and England is highly anticipated, given the two nations share one of football’s fiercest rivalries.From Diego Maradona’s infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal at the 1986 World Cup quarter-final to David Beckham’s red card in St Etienne in 1998, drama is one thing that isn’t lacking in matches between the countries.Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Lionel MessiAlexis Mac AllisterEngland Football TeamArgentina football teamFIFA World CupLiverpool FC